2020 was a tumultuous year for many of us. Not only did the world go through massive change, it was also a year that made us reflect on ourselves and the lives we live. As a result, 2021 is a year of transformation and when it comes to your career, we are here to help!
As we all know, motivation is an integral part of change. Tell someone to change who actually doesn’t genuinely want to, and chances are it won’t happen at all. Understanding your motivation is the foundation block. In the context of career, why are you REALLY seeking a change? “Because I’m currently bored at work” or “Because I don’t get along with my boss” aren’t good enough reasons. Instead, challenge yourself to think a bit deeper. Here are some examples:
- I want more work fulfilment so that I don’t need to just live for the weekends. I want to go to work knowing that I am contributing to something that feels meaningful to me. This will in turn will make me a happier person and more fun to be around.
- I want to earn a better salary so I can give my kids better opportunities. I want to be able to buy high quality food and take my family to do fun activities without always having to hesitate and consider whether the budget allows. It’s also important for me to be able put aside more money in my children’s savings account.
- I want better work life balance so that I can feel less stressed in my life. I want to get home on time, go to the gym a few times a week and be able to feel present with my friends and family. My mental health is worth more than anything. I don’t want to look back on my life when I’m older, feeling like I’ve missed out.
See what I mean? True motivation is never superficial, so take the time to think about where the motivation really comes from. Keep it close as you’re moving forward.
Secondly, what you need to create change in your life is DISCIPLINE. Motivation on its own will rarely lead to success. It needs to be paired with the actual action-taking. Discipline is setting short and long-term goals, stopping making excuses, getting into good habits and keeping yourself accountable. If you have self-discipline, you are much more likely to overcome obstacles and discomfort as you push yourself outside the comfort zone. When you discipline yourself to finish tasks you have set out to do, you eventually form a personality around it – you become a “doer”! Doers don’t always succeed on their first attempt. Doers also have to build resilience, but they do make things happen. They always grow and learn – and they WILL get to where they want to be as long as they remain disciplined.
Questions to create change in your life
I would like to suggest that, if you want to see changes for the better, you sit down with yourself, or with us, and pencil out these things. 1. WHY do I want to create these changes for myself and who/what will it affect if I do – and if I don’t? 2. HOW and WHEN do I plan on taking the steps necessary to get there? How do I prioritise what’s important to me? How can I avoid procrastination? What habits do I want to create and how do I keep myself accountable?
Once you’ve become really clear on these two fundamental building blocks to change, you will discover that there is truly no limit to how far you can go!
Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Create it.
Book in for a free 20-minute career strategy session with one of our consultants, so you can start taking action today!
