How many transitions have you faced in your working life? Are you at the beginning or in the middle of a transition right now? Do you wish you had the tools, processes and even someone to help you manage your life transition?
Research studies show that people face up to 7 or more transitions in their working life. These days transitions occur more frequently because even the largest companies are struggling in this economy and have to make structural adjustments or changes. You also might be fed up or tired of what you are doing and want to change.
It can be an uncertain time, painful and scary when making a transition whether it be career, retirement, relocation, lifestyle, all because of personal circumstances. It a time of great searching, reflection and introspection to find out what you want to do and how you are going to get there. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Instead of seeing it it as a struggle or survival course, you can see your transition as an adventure.
How do you handle a transition in your life or career?
One of the main things is to know what motivates you and what you feel passionately about. You also need to know what you are good at doing and what you can do that generates income for you. Or, if it is not income, you need to be clear about your new ideal role. There is a simple and fun tool that I have used to help people who are stuck in their careers or other transitional times that can quickly and easily bring new insights.
You also need to know your key drivers. There are about 85 drivers and one of the exercises is to work out which ones motivate you the most. It may be two or three or a handful that is important to you. These could include making a difference, mentoring, lifestyle, creativity, financial independence, professional gratification, being energised, to be current or even to be constantly challenged. This exercise helps you find the drivers that matter most to you.
Using simple worksheets, you then find out what activities and achievements have been important in your life to determine your skills and sub-skills. Once you know your skills and talents as well as your business skills, you are in a far better position to know your strengths and weaknesses.
From these exercises you will want to work out your personal value proposition. Your value proposition shows what sort of value you can offer given your experiences and skills and how that can benefit others whether it be a company, small business, not for profit, or even work that you wish to do on a voluntary basis. Simple and fun brainstorming exercises help you identify your key values.
Next, you would use a simple technique to imagine possibilities so that you can match your skills and experience with opportunities whether they be market opportunities or possibilities to serve your community. The most important final step will be to make it happen which means execution or implementation. This is where you find opportunities for yourself whether it be in your present company or outside.
We believe in helping people reach their full potential and turn what’s can be seen as a fear trip into an exciting adventure. For people in transition who are looking for reducing the risk and agony in starting something new, we have developed a practical manual that guides you in developing a roadmap for your transition. “Breakthrough Ideas” saves you time and money and improves your chances of success. Here’s the link.
This was a very good read, reflecting on my own development there were many elements of myself I was to explore to be where I am now and there is yet even more I can explore. Fear does hold us back, but acknowledging those fears is ultimately what leads to progress.