In a world of stiff competition for the next best career move or next promotion, you must be ready to compete and compete hard. Instead of sitting on the sideline and watching others pass you by, take charge of your own destiny and own your own development. No one is going to do it for you. Why? Because they are busy trying to get theirs!
Let’s take a look at the example in the bible with the man by the pool who sat there for 38 long years waiting on someone to put him into the pool. Jesus asked him if he would like to get well but the man said “I can’t, sir for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” whine…whine…whine… (can’t you just hear it). Then what did Jesus do? He commanded the man to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk! (John 5:7-8). Guess what? I, too like Jesus, am commanding you to stand up and stop sulking about your circumstances, pick yourself up, and walk into your destiny by owning your own development and getting where you want to be. Well, Ms. Queen of Excellence, how do I do that? Well, I’m glad you asked.
- Decide where it is you want to go and/or be in your next career move and why. A lot of times we don’t answer the question “why” but it is very important to answer it so you can find out if the next career move is really right for you. Think of what you are passionate about as I truly believe this will lead you to a fulfilling career. Take a clean piece of paper and write it down. I always say, writing it down makes it real.
- Do your research. Sometimes in doing your research you may uncover that this is either truly what you want to do or not. It may also lead you to other areas that you may not have even thought of. Google it, Bing it, and even better, find someone in that field that you can connect with, talk to, and get the real deal from someone who is already doing it.
- Create a learning development plan with the results of your research. Write out practical steps that will help you learn all that you can about the specific career, job, business, or whatever it is. Think of skills you may need to develop and create a plan to obtain the necessary skills needed to be successful.
- Be intentional on developing yourself. Don’t just gather the information from your research, make a plan, ant then sit on it. Do something with it. Do a little something everyday to develop the desired skills you need to be successful and competitive in whatever it is you have chosen to do.
- Own it. Yes, it is yours. By human nature, we take care of things that we own so be very mindful of taking care of your own development. No one can do it for you. You have to want to do it and continue to want to do it. Leaning should always be continual. When you stop learning, you stop growing as a person.
Another point, I want to leave you with. While, I highly recommend you take full advantage of development classes and training offered by the company you currently work for, I strongly suggest you seek development outside of your companies culture. Find leadership conferences to attend. Sign up for seminars, workshops, and webinars and personal develppment. Take a community college course. Or better yet, hire a personal coach like me! This small investment into yourself can open up doors to greater opportunities that will in turn bring you great dividends. Don’t overlook the power of coaching as it is a growing field and serious individuals who have had them before, swear by this form of personal development.
Take another look at this article on the importance of having a personal coach and give me a call. 2012 is almost here and, together, we can get your game plan ready to tackle it with a vengeance! http://www.npr.org/template/text/s.php?sId=140849085&m=1.
Give me a call and see how I and the awesome tools I have developed for personal development can help you become all that you were meant to me.
Until next time, the Queen of Excellence has spoken.
I remain in excellence,
Nickquolette
