You Are Not at The Bottom
by Deborah Brown-Volkman, contributing columnist

Career headache these days? Wish you had the magic pill that would make it go away?

With layoffs and cutbacks, it's takes more effort to be positive about the future. But no matter where you are, or what you are going through in your career right now,
know that you are not at the bottom. And, that you are not alone. Trust that your time and experience have not been wasted. They're just being under utilized at the
moment.

During the late nineties, our careers seemed more certain. We worked hard and we got promoted. Promotion led to more money. Money led to a secure future. But now we are dipping into our savings to pay our bills, and we are wondering what happened to our bright future.

So How Can You Can You Recognize That You Are Not At The Bottom, So You Can Continue Your Climb To The Top? Follow These Steps:

1. Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

Comparison is the root of all suffering. Everyone has
a hard-luck career story to tell, so you are not the
only one. Comparing yourself to your peers or where you
think you are supposed to be in your career, is self
defeating and unproductive. Stop this now.

2. Realize That You Are More Than Your Career

And, you are more than the balance in your bank
account. Have you tied your self worth into what you
do for a living? Recognizing that your career is a part
of who you are, but not the entire picture is one of
the greatest gift you can give yourself. Yes, you have
responsibilities, and people who are counting on you,
but you also have a duty to be nice to you. This is
what the people in your life really want for you
anyway.

3. Focus On How Grateful You Are For What You Do Have

It is easy to think that where you are in career today
will be where you will end up tomorrow. There is no
truth to this even though it feels real at the moment.
This time in your career is only a small piece of a
bigger picture. Focus in on how lucky you are to have
your health, a family, great friends, etc. Remind
yourself that you truly are blessed.

4. You Take Time To Investigate Your Passion

It's not about starting over. It's about doing
something in your career that gives you meaning and
purpose. What's your passion? What inspires you?
Yes, you have letters to mail, and people to call, but
if your life is purely about logistics, it will not be
that fulfilling. If you have some time these days, make
the best use of it. Spend part of your day
investigating a career you would really love.

5. Get Into Action No Matter What

Take action even if you don't know what to do.
Not knowing can be a blessing in disguise. Look at the
steps you have taken up to this point. What has worked
or not worked? Write down the specific actions you have
not taken and the actions you will take going forward.
Goals are reached one action at a time. You can talk
about taking reaching your goals or you can take the
necessary actions that will get you there. The choice
is up to you. (And, if you don't want to tackle your
career alone, call a coach!)

6. You Take Time For Yourself

Worrying won't get you where you want to be any
quicker. And, worrying is not the best use of your
time. You might as well be productive and take some
of that worrying time for yourself. How else will you
take control of the task at hand?

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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Deborah Brown is a noted Career and Mentor Coach that shows Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals, and Coaches how to transition into careers they love, excel in the careers they have now, start their own businesses, and find time for themselves. She is the author of the "21-Day Career Empowerment" program. This 21-day e-mail program gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to either choose their current position or their next career To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com , send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.