Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?
Is everything good or bad, black or white?
This type of thinking can severely limit your options. Or worse, prevent you from getting an accurate picture of what's possible.
Most people are uncomfortable hanging out in the "I don't know" space. The anxiety of not knowing triggers a rush to decision making. However, learning how to deal with periods of uncertainty while weighing your options will afford you the time to make a superior choice.
So how do you do this? Try a new approach and get support.
Broaden Your Reach
Suppose you wanted to explore career options. If you usually get advice from one or two people, instead make a list of every possible person who might provide information. If you get a knot in your stomach at the thought of contacting these people, you're on the right track! You're out of your comfort zone, and that's good. To build up your courage before tackling this list, ask a trusted friend for encouragement and moral support.
As a further challenge, attempt to connect with a person who has achieved prominence in their field. While getting an appointment with a successful individual or receiving a return e-mail may take time, the effort could result in valuable insight and net you a future mentor.
Ideally, speak with one person working in each of the ranks (upper, middle and/or lower) of the career area you are exploring. Keep the information flowing by asking your contact for another name.
Besides getting a more detailed picture of what you can expect from this career choice, you'll begin to get a view of all the permutations that are possible. Each person's opinion will broaden your view and knowledge.
Explore The Gray Area
It is in this huge "gray area" where a wonderful new career might be waiting for you. You could even discover that you already possess many of the requisite skills, making a career transition easier than you thought.
In the end, the choices you make will improve if you do the research and take the time for reflection. Don't panic or rush the process. In this case, faster is not better, slower is. And a wonderful by-product of this process is a newfound sense of self-confidence and fresh possibilities!
Dale Kurow, M.S., is an author and a career and executive coach in NYC. Dale works with clients across the U.S. and internationally, helping them to survive office politics, become better managers, and figure out their next career move. Visit Dale's web site at http://www.dalekurow.com/phone_ebook for information about her latest E-Book, Phone Interview Skills Sharpened Right Here!
When you go in for a job interview, you're not... Read More
Are you a career changer? Or, are you satisfied with... Read More
Inherent within the human spirit is a desire for fulfillment,... Read More
Medical billers and coders are in high demand among the... Read More
11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The... Read More
I have something to say that's driving me batty. It's... Read More
An employment interview is a goal oriented conversation in which... Read More
Whether you are an accountant, virtual assistant, or a corporate... Read More
Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?Is everything... Read More
Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More
When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More
Are you unhappy at work? Tired and lacking energy and... Read More
It takes a lot of time and effort to get... Read More
The fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply... Read More
Whether you're a Vice President of Marketing or a recent... Read More
There was a time when accounting was the boring college... Read More
If you still picture a steady progression up the ladder... Read More
Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More
Half the battle in successfully managing your emotions during a... Read More
According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled... Read More
Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside... Read More
After a thirty (30) second glance lots of resumes get... Read More
WARNING: This article is likely to make you mad.In fact,... Read More
Don't let anyone talk you into going to college when... Read More
How many times have you heard or read, "Our employees... Read More
In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More
How can you manage your emotions during your career change... Read More
For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More
Think you have gone as far as you can in... Read More
This "fruit for thought" article is for all human beings,... Read More
Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70%... Read More
Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More
"The Baratarian pirates also offered their services. Even though an... Read More
What is FraudFraud occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally... Read More
As much as you are yearning for career-change, and as... Read More
Lots of times I see and talk to people who... Read More
Use these interview tips for job hunting success!It's a tough... Read More
Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More
One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More
What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus... Read More
Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More
Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More
The fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply... Read More
Are you unemployed or been laid off? You are not... Read More
The Question: After identifying a potential employer, I get contact... Read More
Any professionally trained interviewer can attest these questions are the... Read More
Perhaps you saw it coming. The fall in company stock... Read More
When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his... Read More
Moving without a job will challenge your identity -- but... Read More
So you've managed to secure a job interview for a... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment Careers, Jobs & Employment |