More and more often, I hear people at various stages of their careers expressing a common desire: to do something different than they are doing now. Some of these individuals have reached retirement age and are looking for new challenges or opportunities; others have been laid off or are seeking their next job in anticipation of losing their job; still others who are working feel dissatisfied because they haven’t found their niche yet. Those who are just joining the labor force are wondering what their careers hold in store for them.
What all of these people have in common is a wonderful opportunity to take charge of their lives. Yet many of them don’t know how to do that, or where to begin. As a result, they settle for the status quo.
As someone who has done a substantial amount of career counseling over the years, I discovered that I have a talent for helping people identify their passions and find ways to incorporate them into their lives. Along the way I have learned that, despite what they say, some people are not ready to make the transition from merely doing a job to engaging in those things that bring them joy. Sometimes they lack the skills or experience to do so; other times they choose to not change. In order to distinguish between those who are ready for a transformation and those who are not, I have developed what might be described as a “readiness assessment.” Here are some sample elements:
To what extent are you willing and able to:
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• Be successful?
• Suspend judgment of yourself?
• Be kind to yourself?
• Unleash your creativity?
• Examine your beliefs?
• Recognize and “own” your talents?
• Think outside the box?
• Take responsibility for the quality of your life?
• Make the necessary changes?
• Recognize that how you experience life is always your choice?
If you already are experiencing the type of joy-filled life that comes from living your passion, congratulations! Please tell us your story. If you are not, how ready are you to begin to make the transformation? Let us know!
© 2010 Pat Lynch. All rights reserved.
