Ever feel like something’s missing, even when your career or personal life seems "successful"? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point where they sense that something isn’t quite right, even when life looks ideal on paper. That feeling led me to an exploration that transformed how I approach my work, relationships, and personal life—by discovering my "red threads."
What Are Red Threads?
While I've used this practice for years, the name, "red threads" comes from Marcus Buckingham's book Love + Work. Red threads are the activities that truly light you up. These are the things you do effortlessly, with no one needing to remind or motivate you. Whether at work or at home, red threads are the tasks, interactions, or moments that bring you into a state of flow and fulfillment. They’re the activities that bring out your most authentic self.
Why Identifying Red Threads Matters
So, why should you take time to explore what really lights you up? Discovering your red threads can lead to significant changes in how you approach both work and life. Here are some of the incredible benefits that come from embracing this practice:
Renewed Sense of Purpose: When you understand what naturally excites you, it shifts your perspective on your daily tasks. Suddenly, life is about more than checking off boxes—it’s about infusing purpose into your work, relationships, and routine.
Better Work-Life Balance: Knowing your red threads helps you prioritize activities that align with your core values, making it easier to set boundaries. When you fill your time with activities that energize you, you feel more balanced and less drained.
Increased Joy and Fulfillment: Purpose-driven actions elevate your overall sense of happiness. Red threads serve as anchors to keep you aligned with what truly matters, allowing you to experience more daily joy.
How My Red Threads Changed My Life
For years, I thrived in a high-performing corporate role, but something was always missing. I was good with numbers and strategy, but I wasn’t truly passionate about it. My real joy came from connecting with my team, coaching them to succeed, and seeing them grow. Recognizing this shifted my entire outlook and led me into coaching. Now, my work aligns with my strengths and passions, and I feel a deeper sense of purpose every day.
After I left corporate, I continued to employ the red threads practice to figure out how to build MY business in a way that worked for ME, in a way that lights me up, aligns with my strengths and who I want to be in the world.
How to Identify Your Own Red Threads
Notice Your Flow Moments: Keep track of when you feel genuinely engaged. I'd encourage you to do this over a longer time period, say two weeks to a month, or until you have a list of at least 10 moments. Are you in a meeting, working on a project, or spending time on a hobby?
Ask Key Questions:
What time of day is it?
Who are you with?
What is it about them that you enjoy?
What qualities of the task or interaction make it enjoyable?
What project is the task a small part of?
Where are you?
Anything else that comes up
Explore Personal & Professional Activities: Look beyond your job title. Your red threads may show up in hobbies, family time, or even unexpected moments, like while running or taking a walk.
Look for Patterns: The goal is to identify commonalities across these moments—the red threads that run through them.
Bringing Red Threads into Your Life
Once you know what lights you up, find ways to integrate these activities into your routine. Small shifts can make a big impact, such as volunteering for projects that play to your strengths, setting aside time for hobbies, or even creating opportunities to engage with your favorite people.
A Life Aligned with Purpose
Your red threads reveal who you are at your core. When you honor them, you align with a version of yourself that’s filled with purpose, balance, and joy. So take the time to discover them and start designing your life around what truly matters to you. It’s a journey that will not only enhance your sense of fulfillment but also positively impact everyone around you.
Remember, more is possible.
I go into this differently and a bit more detail in my video, posted on 11/6. If this activity resonates, start there and then feel free to reach out for more support.
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