There comes a point when you ask yourself if (a) your current role advances your career goals with opportunities for enhancing professional credibility or (b) you were just lured by the paycheck.
Your sudden game of “Twenty Questions” at your personal crossroads may have been triggered by your compass spinning. It may occur when you daydream and envision what you really could be accomplishing.
The dissatisfaction could have be raised when you see less mindful people moving faster in the direction you thought you were headed. (I would talk about the not-so-smart people in the room, but that discussion was last week…)
Whatever caused your professional shift in focus should mean something to you. It’s a sign. There is a disconnect between who you were when you took the role and the experiences that are now shaping you into a stronger leader.
At times, we need to know the root cause of a problem, such as smaller software bugs or in larger critical infrastructure power supply failures. Other moments simply need a realignment of our compass in order to get back on the best path for our greatest success.
Take some quiet time to consider what works best for you. Be comfortable with yourself and in your skin. Honesty is the only way to build the foundation of your success.
Some people may find that chasing the new project is something they do exceedingly well rather than ensure the minuscule details of a program being implemented. I know one strategic marketing professional who is excellent at helping people say the right thing in less than half the time it takes the person to babble about what they think they mean.
Today is Day 11, embracing change. You don’t need any other reason to raise the bar other than you want to be better. You want something more. You deserve something more.
And taking the time to define "more" is important. Perhaps it’s more time on the tennis courts. It could be more time at the playground with your young children. Even having the time to write a novel can be a more meaningful adjustment in your life.
As I frequently ask the college students in my classes, you have to ask yourself, “So what?” It may be all well and good that you have a high paying job, but what if you eat take-out at home alone every night of the week at ten pm because you have no time to meet people? It may be grand that you have a monthly expense report of $14,000 covered by the corporation, but how many days in a row do you get to sleep in your own home instead of in a hotel?
So this weekend, you have homework - it's why there is a rare publication on a Friday when everyone is already thinking about the weekend. Think about what you miss most in your current life and ask yourself, "Why Am I Doing This?”
Embrace change, even if it’s just a small amount, and pick one thing this weekend to consider why you are doing this. You may be surprised by the results and enjoy finding a new project that focuses on something or someone you love.
Heather M. Hilliard is Principal and Chief Strategist for R. Roan Enterprises, LLC, a professional services consulting firm supporting businesses in pointed areas of expertise as well as with individuals for targeted projects or career development. For more articles like these, visit her posts on LinkedIn or on G+.
#seizetheday, #makeithappen
