Mindset
Embrace the Organic Nature of Life
“Imagination is the source of human achievement.“
– Sir Kenneth Robinson
I was listening to an old TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson today, and it got me reflecting on all that I’ve learned through doing the LYM Podcast.
Ken spoke about his experiences talking with so many different people over the course of his career. He shared a story about his 20-year-old daughter and some of the things she had come to believe. For example, she didn’t see much use in wearing a watch because it only had one function. “It’s a single-function device!” she declared.
His daughter was deciding her course in life, and felt paralized to make a decision right or wrong.
That story was a table set for one of Ken’s great insights: we often assume that life follows a linear path. We’re taught this from a young age — finish high school, pick a major, go to university, then get a job and start your career.
But the truth is, life rarely unfolds that way. Life isn’t linear — it’s organic. We plant seeds in different gardens, and sometimes things grow, and sometimes they don’t.
Growth often depends on how much care and attention we give those seeds — the equivalent of watering and fertilizing a garden. The more intentional we are, the better chance things have to thrive.
But what motivates us to keep paying attention?
A few days of neglect can leave a garden dry and unproductive. A few more days, under a hot sun, and the plants may die.
What we choose to pursue in life works the same way. Initial excitement might get us started, but it’s consistency and perseverance through the dull days that allow the flowers of our lives to truly bloom.
Most of us need to go through several cycles of planting, growing, and pruning before realizing what will or won’t take root within us. Some say you should “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Others say, “choose something, get good at it, and you’ll grow to love it.”
I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Don’t get stuck trying to make the perfect choice — just choose and experience.
Choose slowly, but exit quickly. If something doesn’t resonate, move on. That doesn’t mean jumping from job to job every week — you need to give things time to truly know whether they fit.
At the same time, be honest with yourself. Does what you’re doing feel right in your gut? Do you feel alive when you’re in it, or are you just filling space?
If it feels right, stick with it — until it doesn’t. If it doesn’t, give yourself permission to move on and try something new.
Almost every person I’ve interviewed has had multiple stops and pivots before finding the work that truly resonated. And even then, they continue to evolve — revising, iterating, and discovering new layers within their craft.
So, embrace the organic nature of life.
It’s what keeps things interesting.
Pay attention. Be present. The more you do, the more you’ll find yourself naturally moving toward the things you love — without the pressure to have it all figured out.
And above all, have fun.
That’s what it’s all about.
