Many of us stay in our careers (and jobs) longer than we want because we are unsure what we would do next. We tell ourselves that the answer will come to us someday. Then, we will make our move. Or, when the economy improves, we'll go. But in the meantime, we stay where we are, stuck and unhappy.
Your career does not get better until you make it better. This involves work. Yes, you may tell yourself that the work is hard to do. But isn't staying in a career (or job) that is draining your energy and taking away from your quality of life harder?
Getting out of rut is all about taking action to move yourself forward. You decide what you want and then you put a plan in place to get it. You see it, you believe it, and then you achieve it.
So, How Do You Get Out Of Your Rut? Follow These 6 Steps Below:
1. You Write Down What You Like To Do
List 10 things that you like or have liked about the careers (or jobs) you have been in. This exercise can give you insight and objectivity into what you want in your career. Past likes lead to future likes, which lead to career satisfaction.
2. You Write Down What You Dislike To Do
List 10 things that you dislike or have disliked about the careers (or jobs) you have been in. This exercise will tell you what you do not want in your next position. Many people can't tell me what they do want as easily as what they don't want. The good news is that the flip side of what you don't want is what you really want to be doing next.
3. You Create Your Ideal Job
Spend some time with a piece of papers and your inner thoughts. Ask yourself if you knew the next move in your career would absolutely, positively work, what would you do next? Be as specific as possible. Are you running your own company or your own department? Where are you based? Are your hours 9 to 5 or more flexible? Are you telecommuting? Are you working with numbers or people? Let whatever is supposed to come out, out. No screening; just what's important to you.
4. You Research The Market
Who can you talk to in the field you want to get into? What reports have been written about that field? What companies are doing what you know in your heart you should be doing next? Research works effectively when you are using the Internet, books, and people (all three) to help you understand where is the best place for you to go to next.
5. You Create Your Plan
When will your change take place? How will you get there? What steps will you take specifically and when will you take them? Write everything down. This way you will make sure you do not forget anything. And, you will have a place to add new steps along the way. Action leads to results. Inaction (or the lack of a plan) will only fuel and prolong your rut.
6. You Reward Yourself For Moving Forward
It is never easy looking at your career (or yourself) and deciding that something needs to change. Some changes come quickly, and some changes come slowly. Regardless of the pace you go, reward yourself for moving forward. It really is a big deal.
So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
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