Are you waiting too long to get your career in gear? Do you know what's delaying you? Get to the source to speed up your desired career changes so you can move ahead. Here's how...
Take a look at where the drag comes from. Is it an internal problem (a personal trait you need to strengthen or become confident within yourself) OR an external problem (you need to take the right, focused actions)? If it's an internal source, taking focused actions can often strengthen your confidence and underline what you're good at. Even if your exact question isn't mentioned below, try to apply the solutions from several of these questions and you'll likely discover just what you need to resolve your career drags.
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WAITING FOR CLARITY TO DICTATE YOUR NEXT DIRECTION?
1. If you are undecided or unclear about next steps, ask yourself "What if I was really clear - what would my life look like then?" and also "If I were a coach for someone else, what questions would I ask them to help them become clear?"
2. If you're unclear about what type of new job you should transition to, list skills you've enjoyed using in the past and research jobs that will allow you to use them often. Start with broader research as if using a searchlight to shine on the best company possibilities, then work to focus your research as if you're using a flashlight to narrowly view the very best of those matches.
3. Think of anyone you know to call and interview who is doing the same or similar work to what you're considering.
WAITING FOR PASSION TO RETURN OR TO FEEL MOTIVATED?
1. List the specific elements you enjoyed in all former work-related experiences. Maybe there was a time you managed a team that accomplished excellent results. Was it the teamwork you liked? The managing of others? The accomplishments themselves? All of these? Reviewing successful earlier interests can generate enthusiasm and help shift your attitude.
2. Work even simple elements you felt passionate about from any former work back into your daily activities to increase your motivation for your bigger goals. i.e. If you liked the negotiation aspects of your last project, then find someone you can weigh pros and cons with in an aspect of your job or project. If you enjoyed alone time in a former work assignment, then put a sign on your door "in conference till 9:00 a.m." and take time to work uninterrupted. If you liked creative interaction with others, then determine the creative components in a current work project (or even something personal) to include others' creative input on and get your motivation motor running again.
3. Take a mini-break and go do something you've never done before. It should include a physical component. The result will be a renewed integration of body, mind and spirit.
WAITING FOR AN OFFER OR DECISION TO COME THROUGH THAT WILL DIRECT YOUR COURSE?
1. If you're waiting to hear about a new job or client, highlight your best assets in your resume or proposal that fits this company or client. Write your desired role on the top of this paper and tape it on your home bathroom mirror. Re-read these assets aloud at least twice a day. Picture the employer or prospective client holding your information in their hand and noting these invaluable assets that are ideal for her or her company's needs. You can do a similar goals' visioning with any project you're pursuing.
2. Shift your focus from waiting and worry to what you do well. Find ways to demonstrate or emphasize your strengths with those individuals in the decision-making roles.
3. If no offer is forthcoming, don't stop here. Make phone calls to current contacts to discuss ways to generate new contacts and spark ideas that get you out of the waiting game.
WAITING FOR THINGS TO IMPROVE ON THEIR OWN?
1. Take a challenging, out-of-the-ordinary action on something else you've postponed finishing. This stimulates your creative energy, and inspires you to new ideas and action. You'll not only recognize a good opportunity when you see it, but feel competent to take it on.
2. Commit to your leadership role in tackling even a small objective. Pretend you're heading a team on this project. What do you recommend they do?
3. Just like the tin man in The Wizard of Oz, you'll only get rusty if you hang around for help. List all your resources and contacts related to the task and decide what and whom you'll rely on or delegate to and get going on what you yourself can tackle now.
WAITING TILL YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME OR MONEY?
1. This is when to get out pen and paper and outline short-term versus long-term objectives.
2. Clarify your priority objectives by brain-dumping all your ideas on a big paper. Use big paper to minimize thinking small. Put these in the most important order based on your hierarchy of values. Consider how the top objectives can be funded and when you can take related actions. Write down alternatives for getting money - loans, borrowing from family and friends, extending credit, even putting it off till you do X (and be specific here), that will get you the finances you need.
3. Examine clearly what are your risk factors for your most important goals. Don't try to do them all at once. What makes the most intuitive and practical sense to start with now? Once you've re-ordered your project and its related steps, map out your timeline. Consider that lesser goals may require more research and laying down a firmer foundation for their implementation.
WAITING FOR MORE EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS?
1. With a clear career objective, it's easier to determine if you have what it takes to match it. Getting more education without clear objectives can be a time stealer. Determine your career objectives and research related job requirements first.
2. You may have what you need. Don't miss out on possible lead-time by adding more delay to already short deadlines or not getting the edge because you underestimated your abilities. If you can't assess your qualifications for the job or project accurately, turn to a respected team of three professionals with knowledge of your work experience and the project to offer feedback.
3. If specific training is warranted, consider what program of study will give you the most immediate applicable information and training that may not require formally enrolling in school. Often your company will sponsor your training. If not, discuss how your personal investment of new knowledge and skills can be implemented in this or future projects as well as how it will affect your end-of-year evaluation.
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No amount of waiting or planning is sufficient to get you what you want and it doesn't help to blame others for stalling your career. Experience renewed focus and passion when you recognize you are in control of the situation and have the power to change your circumstances. Get engaged to increase your positive attitude quotient. Deliberate, positive action has its rewards.
If you're still having trouble getting clear on next steps or feel you'd benefit from support, business organizations, such as 40+Careers and AARP have retired professionals to help you in your career at no cost. You can also hire your own private coach.
