Being or seeing ourselves as ‘stuck’ when it comes to our career and where we would like to go has no advantages. In fact, staying in such a place continues to create havoc and eventually, if accepted or tolerated, we succeed in digging ourselves into a large and deep hole. So much for the potential we think or are told we have. We often simply don’t see the steps we need to take to actually realize our own goals.
As we are at the end of 2019 and are looking ahead to next year it seems like an ideal time to take steps to re-assume the reins of our own growth. It’s time to resume control of any internal voices who, too often, work against forward and positive steps just because ‘they’ are satisfied when YOU are not. The big and logical question is how does one do this when they have lost a vision for what this could mean? How can
one effectively resume the climb up the success ladder she/he wants?
Here are some very practical questions for one to consider and act upon that can have the precise result you seek. They are worth consideration and evaluation as they might apply to you
• Point #1: Achieving your career goals simply can’t be done alone. It does take and certainly happens with greater speed when we create and use ‘a village’. Surrounding ourselves with mentors, friends and co-workers is key.
Your consideration: Who have you placed on this support team and how are you using them to help you achieve your goals. Is the team complete or are you missing someone who can provide a missing or weak link?
• Point #2: Making the most of all of your talents leads to the question of how and whether you will do this … not whether or not you have anything to offer the world.
Your consideration: What are capabilities and skills that you feel you have and are not being utilized today? With this awareness what can you do to make them visible to others so they can come into play?
• Point #3: Accepting that we all have potential, we all aren’t good at doing what it takes to reach ours. For
sure, celebrate the things that go well for us i.e. a raise, advancement or a position. And yet of even greater importance is how we respond when we receive a ‘no’ as these are the times that define us.
Your consideration: Ask yourself ‘What am I capable of’ that others might not be aware of. Who needs to know of these skills that would enable them to consider to the advancement I seek?
• Point #4: When you are turned down or get a “no” as it pertains to getting something you want … just stay ready.
Your consideration: What skills do I lack that will enable me to be ‘ready’ when the next opportunities arises? Where can I go to learn what’s missing that will make me eligible for that next opportunity? Being ready and focused is a key element.
- Point #5: Keep the ‘no’ you receive in perspective. Sure it’s painful to hear and yet you can consciously c
hoose to not live in that place. Knowing what you are capable of, being prepared and maintaining a realistic perspective will help to turn the ‘no’ into ‘yes’.
Your consideration: Recall a previously heard ‘no’ that you can use as a positive force to be your motivator to maintain the focus and the faith.
To the extent that we can see … and own … our own potential allows us to create the steps we need to and can take that will enable us to achieve our personal vision and the pathway to get there. 2020 is only a few weeks away. Adhering to the points indicated above could well be the difference that makes next year one of your most gratifying and successful ones … ever!!
Mike Dorman
* Resource: graduation commencement speech given by Russel Wilson – May ‘ 2016
