Hmmm… So what do I really want to do?

I remember first going to college and thinking “hmmm… I’d like to be a pediatrician.”  But, I was not here for the math and science on top of science but I had a love of reading and writing at this point - an English major it is - and I thought “I’d love to teach English at the college level.” 

Having found work in the workforce development field, I also grew to have a sincere interest in assisting various groups with career assistance, job development, and project management under federally funded grants.  My degree, now, would enable me to again utilize my reading, writing and research to develop and administer programs based on teaching, advising, and establishing career paths and opportunities for program participants.  I worked my way up to Director of programs over a large city, servicing the targeted group, and overseeing 4 centers.  But, I began to ask myself, “am I happy with this job?”  Because yes, although I loved the intent of the programs, it all became too much like a job, like work, not a career, if that makes sense.   “Do I really want to do this?”

Fast forward to 2015 and I must say that the path I have taken has allowed me to meet and be inspired by so many who have found themselves with baskets of lemons but have also gone on to make lemonade (or martini lemon drops… your pick J ).  This also brings me to pick up an oldie but very relative read about addressing the changes that come your way in life and at work.  We don’t like the changes we’re faced with but learning and growing from them may not be such a bad thing. 

Still, I believe inspiration to be the best you possible can be found in the smallest of things.  Career Savvy was born from my sincere interest in career, professional and personal development.  It was not easy to find especially when another dream of mine is to work for myself.  But, it’s coming together and what I really want to do seems to be crystal clear.

Still on the fence?  Career assessments are good measures of answering questions about your career and personal goals that may lead you toward what you truly may have a calling for.  Some ask for payment for more detailed results following the survey, but the questions you will ask yourself are worth exploring if nothing else. 

Why not check it out?  It’s a start!

Vision

I had the privilege of being invited to take part in a webinar that discussed goals, passions, entrepreneurship, and challenges.   And what I found most intriguing was the very basic notion to write things down just to get started.  Make a plan.  Plan the work.  Move in your communications, actions, and networks that allow you to stay true and focused on the initial plan.  Simple enough?  I think so.  I can handle that.

Now, let’s have fun with it.  The webinar challenged listeners to grab magazines, paper, glue and markers and start in the next 3 days your own vision board.  Write it down; put up sticky notes of ideas and affirmations… I hear you but you’re losing me.  What do you think my next thought was?  “I don’t have time!”  Yep, I don’t have time for me. I don’t have time to plan that “thing” that has been on my mind for months.  I don’t have time to commit to planning and carrying out a project that has been near and dear to me and brings the most soul-stirring smile to my face.  Sad, right?

What does this all mean?  Every day, we’re faced with the challenges of the moment.  So many things to do, not enough time to do them.  Yet, we’re holding out on ourselves when it comes to bringing order to those important tidbits of information and ideas that feed our dreams of                             (you fill in the blank – whatever you’ve dreamed of, made resolutions for, hoped for…). 

What I am learning or should I say reminding myself, is that it’s ok to get involved in a day’s work and forget things here and there.  But, we must make time to fulfill those things that bring us joy, completion, happiness, and fulfillment.

Map it out for yourself.  Dwell on the ideas or things that bring a smile to your face.  Plan your work and work your plan.  In the meantime, I will be starting my vision board.  Will you?