Think As Inc

CHANGE YOUR MIND

April 15, 2010 on 1:39 am | In career coaching | No Comments

The phrase, “I’ve changed my mind”, is so common that it sounds easy to do.  In fact, our opinions and beliefs are so deeply embedded that changing our minds is rather difficult.  That’s not necessarily bad, since you might not want to be fickle about big choices in life — your significant other, your career, your life goals.  Or do you?  When you review the big choices you’ve made, do they still make sense?

What are your life goals right now?  Goals change.  In college, these might be self-exploration and intellectual challenge.  Later, these might be work/ family balance and financial security.  Motivations change.  In college, the environment is goal-oriented – towards graduation, towards that first job.  Later, there is less external motivation.  You may be so involved in day-to-day living that longer-term goals are ignored.  Motivation must come internally.

What is your career plan right now?  A career is not a random series of jobs, but rather a planned series of professional achievements.  If you have a job right now, what is your current job contributing to your career?  If it’s x, then focus on x.  If it’s nothing, then change your job or change jobs.  If you don’t have a job right now, how do you plan to forward your career?  The focus is not the next job, but rather the next stage in your career, whether that be a job, an entrepreneurial venture, or some time off.

Who shares your joy with you?  Whether it is family or friends, life is not just about achieving goals and career progress, but also about sharing joy.  Write a love letter to your spouse.  See those old friends.  Out of habit, your mind might take your loved ones for granted.  So, change your mind, and actively express your affection.