_davebennett

I often read advice saying that you can't just sit down with a piece of paper and start coming up with business ideas; it just doesn't work that way. Many people seem to suggest to just start naturally doing stuff and "notice" the problems that you encounter. Paul Graham and Peter Levels both seem to advocate for this approach.

My problem is that I rarely get any ideas I notice. Maybe I'm not doing enough stuff? Maybe all my stuff is very basic? Is there something else that I could do everyday that will "exercise my mind" for coming up with business ideas?

I've been pretty underwhelmed and kinda unhappy with my career (and it's slipping into my personal life a bit) and looking for suggestions. I know it's still early (graduated 3 years ago) and been working as a Software Dev at standard B2B company.

After a couple of assessments and personal growth exercises I found out that my core values in life are:

- Curiosity

- Intimacy (cultivating one-to-one relationships, and allows others to confide in me)

- Connection (Being present with others, fully engaged. Like going to a concert or protesting with people)

- Adventure

- Contribution (helping others, making a positive difference to myself or others)

- Self-development

Another exercise was asking what problems I would work on if I had the opportunity and no limits. The most important problems (in my opinion) that I would work on if possible would be:

* Promoting Unions and Worker Rights

* Wealth Inequality

* Allowing equal access to voting

* Reducing the cost of college

* Promoting Equal access to Education

* Finding a Cure for Dementia/Alzheimers

* Lowering Violent Crime

* Allowing more ISP options

* Making VR more accessible

* Pushing for EV vehicles.

* Push for building modern infrastructure (bridges, mono-rails, etc).

And just some random things I would currently do in life if I didn't have the fear and all the money or the right ideas:

* Learn to Fly Planes

* Be a radio host/commentator

* Race car driving

* Battle Bot fighting

* Play more sports

* Start a business

So how do I find a career in Tech that will tackle some of the things I want above? Because I think one of my main issues at the moment is that what I do touches on none of that (or does so very little and not often enough).

Do you just sit down with a piece of paper and brainstorm ideas or is there another process that you use?