Some Thoughts for the New Year!

“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”—Charles Du Bos, French critic and essayist (1882–1939)

Happy New Year!

As we embark on this New Year, I thought to use this space for some guidance to those who are still in the process of making resolutions for this New Year. This guidance comes from having worked with many clients over the years and how they have been able to advance their career by doing simple things; things that require some sacrifice, some discipline, and holding yourself accountable for your success!

1. Take a stock of your career and evaluate if you are enjoying what you do, and what it will take to bring joy back in your work. Make a list of things that you need to change, including your job—even your career—to venture out to do something you always wanted to do! Learn how to wake up scared (in a good way) every morning! Remember, “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” – Mike Murdock
2. Identify one thing that you would want to improve and find some ways to get on a routine: e.g., if you want to improve your communication skills find ways to learn to write better, speak effectively, and make presentations impactful. Find someone to help you with this on an ongoing basis. Nearly 90% of my clients come to me because I can help them express what they have on their mind better than they can.
3. Find a mentor or coach who can provide you ongoing guidance in your career. Do not wallow in the state of “unconscious incompetence.” Almost everyone who comes to me for guidance tells me that they did not know what they did know before coming to me for making a change in their career and their life.
4. Mentor someone. You learn so much more by mentoring others. It does not matter where you are in your life or in your career.
5. Find out the joy of working on something that truly engages you. Even if a small part of your work allows you to get yourself lost in it, the rest of the drudgery in your job can make it bearable.

Good luck and have a great year!