As we begin a new year many of us are scratching our heads wondering what this year holds for us. Maybe it’s time for a new job or a new career. Maybe you are re-entering the workforce or rethinking your hobby into a business. It is a huge undertaking to change our lives professionally in part because it impacts us personally. The opportunities are endless but where do you start? Here are five ways to change your life and career:
Words Matter
Words are powerful so change your vocabulary. Think about the words that are taboo. Why are they off-limits? Because taboo words promote negativity. Add the words should, could and would to your taboo list. You are not meeting your goals thinking about what could/should/would have done. Look ahead and plan your new path. As a professional in career transition you no longer could/should/would do something. You are embracing opportunity or exploring a new path. You wake up and say Today I follow my dream of X. I am strong and successful. Changing your words can change your life.
2013: I learn to play drums
Identify your Passion
What do you do that fulfills you? Can you make it a career? A woman was relaying her story of being laid off to her massage therapist. The therapist was living his passion of helping people feel balanced and relaxed through massage. He asked the woman, “What do you like to do?” She had been so busy in an unfulfilling job that she didn’t know how to answer. She spent the week between massage appointments researching, meditating and praying for an answer. As she wrote pages of notes she realized writing was her passion! She is now pursuing a freelance writing career and is the writer of this article.
Pay attention to what is being said to you. The answer may come from the most unlikely of sources.
Identify the Steps
Identify what is needed to make your passion a career. Is schooling or certification required? Are scholarships, grants or loans available? Find contacts and conduct informational interviews to determine if the passion can be a profitable venture. Are there books on your subject? Do you need to move to another city/state to make your dream a reality? Talk to trusted friends and family who can provide guidance, information and contacts.
Network, Network, Network!
If you are not sick of hearing it then you aren’t doing it enough! Municipalities and charitable organizations are offering networking opportunities across the nation. Job fairs are a great way to meet people in various industries. Talk to your peers and find out who they know who might be able to help you. Meetup.com is a networking resource for social and professional networking. Chambers of Commerce offer networking events.As you are networking carry copies of your resume and business cards. You never know who you will meet and the opportunities they can offer.
Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time
This is also how to approach your career transition or unemployment. You will not get everything done in a day, week or month. Break the goal into manageable steps just as you would eat an elephant one bite at a time.Begin by setting reasonable and attainable goals and checkpoints. Set reasonable goals weekly. This week I am accomplishing A, B & C. Break each day down into smaller steps. On Monday morning I will X, for example. Write down your goals as they are completed. This will create a sense of accomplishment.No matter how small, each step brings you closer to your goal and your new life!
Here’s to you making changes to your life and career in 2013 and every year!
McAuley Freelance Writing helps businesses get noticed online through content marketing including blogging, copywriting and social media. We like to say we’re Word Stylists. While celebrity stylists help their clients find their public style with clothes, hair and make-up, we help our clients find their style with words and messaging. Call us at 480-206-6452 to learn more about how we help businesses.