The career transition can be one of the hardest parts of life. People are trying to navigate their course and keep a good attitude at the same time. People who tend to focus on where they want to go, usually have a better attitude during career transition. Make the choice today to smile, be good to a friend, and know that you are another day closer to your dream career.
Feel free to comment or share with someone who may need some encouragement during their transition.
Would you want to be a superhero like Spider-man, Superman, or even Shrek? Yes, I consider Shrek a superhero. (I personally would love to fly.) Where would someone find out how to become a superhero? How would you ever become a superhero?
There really is a simple way to finding out if you would like to be a superhero or even like a particular career. Informational interviewing is a great way to find out. It’s asking someone who is doing what you want, questions.
For example: If you wanted to become a real estate agent, you could take a high quality agent out for lunch. (I would suggest an agent that lives far enough away that it wouldn’t be competition.) Take a notepad and ask as them questions such as:
How did you get started in this career?
What does your typical day look like?
In a down economy what things do you do to keep an income?
What have you learned on the job that school doesn’t teach?
What would you recommend someone new to focus on first?
By actually taking initiative, you’ll discover if you would like a particular career path or not. I know this may be simple wisdom, but not many people do it. So if you desire a specific career, go find out if you would enjoy it. Informational interviewing is a great way to find out what you love. There you have it. Happy interviewing!
Boy, if we stuck to that line, we would all be in trouble, hugh? Why do we do the things we do? What’s that guy’s problem? Why doesn’t my wife understand me? OK, maybe the last question is just because wives are superior to husbands. (Wives you can thank me now.) We tend to ask questions like this, because our lack of understanding about personality. There are many personality tests out there. The Myers Briggs, Strong’s, and DISC are to name a few.
Why is this “Personality” testing so important when it comes to our work? Here are a few reasons why:
Better understand someone else, such as your coworkers.
Become a better communicator. (And again the wives, say Amen!)
Know how you like to act towards task.
Helps you see things you may not see on your own.
Helps you understand the environments that you thrive in.
Helps this coach better understand my career clients.
How does this translate into your career?
Have you ever known someone who is a dominate type? They make quick decisions and solve problems. If your personality is more reserved, you may need to speed up your speech or get to the point with a dominate type of person. Likewise, if you are dominant type, maybe you could slow down and take time to listen. If you interview with someone that has a different personality style, you can communicate in the way they like to build rapport.
When we have an understanding of our personality and strengths, we will tend to find more satisfaction in our activities. It can help you go from just good enough, to excelling in all facets of life. If you haven’t taken a personality test, try one for the fun of it. Make it a game and it might help you find a better fit for work that matters.
One time I was driving down the interstate and needed to get out of the slow lane. As a good citizen and driver, I turned on my left turn signal, checked around me for other vehicles, and then moved over to the fast lane. As I continued my travels, I heard an alarm in my sports car (Ok Ok minivan). It’s the alarm that goes off that tells you that your turn signal is still blinking. I didn’t realize that it was left on, even though I had been in the fast lane for 2 minutes! Have you ever been behind someone who has their turn signal on, but they never turn? It can be a frustrating experience to those following this unaware driver. I believe that it is just a mistake and the person is unaware and didn’t have intentions to bother the other drivers.
In life and our careers, we sometimes don’t realize how we affect others and are unaware of what we are doing. For example, during an interview, your lack of humility turns the interviewer away from you. Your controlling personality comes across as not being a team player. Maybe you are currently working, but you have a bad attitude everyday because you are stressed over finances.
Sometimes we need the help of others in our lives to tell us the truth that our “Turn Signal” is on. I personally don’t like it when someone tells me I am doing things in my own life that are not good. I must realize that the “wounds of a brother” are better for me long term. My wife is such a blessing because we have resolved to let each other know when our “signal is on. If we continue to embrace the corrections in life and use them to make us better people, we will have a higher probability of success.
My encouragement to you is to really take a look at yourself, rather than just the circumstances. If you need a trusted friend to hold you accountable, then for ask for help. If you need a coach to come along side you, then get a coach. Just like a marriage that’s a little off balance, seek a marriage counselor. Your career often reflects who you are. If your career stinks, then take time to see if your “Turn Signal” is on and go get help. You will be a better person for it.
I read this article by Dan Miller, author of 48 Days To The Work You Love. I was moved by it’s content. It reminded me of the who I really am. I hope it is an encouragement for you.
Yes, I know times are tough. I spoke at a conference recently and had the opportunity to talk to people who are wondering if there is any reason to be cheerful or optimistic.
As a Russian priest (1829 - 1908), Father John Sergiev first thought he wanted to be a monk in the remote areas of Siberia - but after a vision, he realized God wanted him to be a missionary right where he was - in the hustle and bustle of the big urban city of St. Petersburg. While most priests remained in the safe confines of their cathedrals, Father John would go out into the noisy, dirty, crime-ridden slums and back alleys of the city.
He would find someone down and out in the gutter, sleeping off the effects of the previous night’s drink and activities. Father John would cup his chin; look him in the eyes and say, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.” Wherever he went, people found new hope and optimism because they discovered, or were reminded, of who they were. Seeing ourselves in the light of who God made us to be is both exciting and contagious.
So, are you expressing the fullness of God today? If you are full of despair and hopelessness because of the current economic situation, I doubt there is room for much else. If you are angry and resentful because your stocks crashed, your house dropped in value or you lost your job, I suspect that is what people will first hear about you.
Can you remember what you were created for? When I hear people complain about how bad their lives are I’m going to start saying, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.”
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This is your life, are you who you want to be? - Switchfoot
As a young boy, I loved watching sports. I grew up watch the NBA with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. I always noticed that these men always had a competitive drive to win and be the best that they could be. Basketball is a team sport that allows a balance of talent, hard work, mental toughness, and passion. I want to share this video with you and hope it encourages you to be the champion you are supposed to be. Be encouraged but more importantly don’t give up and go be a champion.
In the new book of Dan Miller’s called “No More Mondays”, there are principles to help people expand their thinking about opportunities. I’ve work in the Financial Coaching Department with Dave Ramsey. Isee many times where people “Feel Stuck”, with their careers. Dave says in the interview, ” 1/3 of financial coaching clients have career and income issues.” In my own coaching business, I see how closely careers and finances go hand in hand. Feel free to watch the video to hear this great interview on “The Dave Ramsey Show”.
Have you ever climbed a ladder? Did you get to the top? Did you forget the tools you needed at the bottom of the ladder? You”ve been working all day and the last thing you want to do is go back down.
I have heard the question “What wall is your ladder on?” How many of you felt like you competed for a deal, competed in business, climbed the corporate ladder, competed for success and then realize you spent so much time and energy climbing the wrong wall?
Most people crumble and don’t get back up when they make this realization. Does this discovery have to overwhelm you? I don’t think it has to overwhelm you. We all have different definitions of success. I call that an opportunity to re-direct your life. I believe that it’s great to recognize that success is not this far out there “in the sky” thing to be won. It’s like the saying, “Champions are not made in the ring. Champions are just recognized there.” What this tells me is that small deposits in different areas of your life lead to great rewards.
When we just pursue success, we never catch it. When we do the small things we must do with diligence, we suddenly and shockingly have this thing called success. It’s intentional, planned, thought out, and focused. When we are intentional and focused on being diligent to get a job done, we then can expect to win and have success. Climbing the wrong wall? Do you want to get on the right wall? Start now defining the life you want, get the right tools, proper coaching, get focused and go work on the masterpiece, which is you!!! You are a Champion!!!!!
The Count of Monte Cristo is a wonderful movie. It is based on the book and is an excellent read. This is a story of a man wronged, betrayed, suffering, and then redemtion. The funny thing is that life is always a progression of loopty loops, not a linear line. It reminds me of the story of Joseph in the Bible. Here is a man who was loved by his father, betrayed by his brothers, a slave, a manager, a prisoner, and then promoted second in command of Egypt. Life is where your character is shown by the pressures of life. You and I are not immune. Will we buckle or embrace challenges?
Have you ever been laid off of a job you loved? Have you been pursuing a dream? Have you ever been discouraged during the job search process? Well, be glad to know you are not alone!!! There are many people who struggle with job search discouragement. It is how we handle our attitudes that will dictate how we end up.
Are you ready for some encouragement? Let’s get together and pursue the work you love. To set up a free 30 minute consultation.
How many of you have every had a bad day? I mean the kind of day where you wished you had stayed in bed. Boy, I know there has been times in my own life that I needed a jolt. Sometimes we need an extra dose of encouragement. I hope you enjoy this video and be encouraged because You’re Better Than That!!!!
