Why You Are Where You Are

I hear so many leaders express impatience about where they are right now in terms of their careers. Attitude and perspective have a direct effect on everything around you, though, so frustration with your present situation only serves to amplify the feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. But I believe that every life experience we encounter, no matter how hard, is there to teach us a powerful lesson. We can only learn those valuable lessons by being present and accepting the situation we find ourselves in at any given moment in time.

Sharpen Your Situational Awareness
Blaming external circumstances or resisting the reality doesn’t help – that only makes us feel trapped by things beyond our control. Living in the present moment, on the other hand, helps us stay alert to figure out possible solutions. It makes us vigilant and aware of opportunities that are oftentimes disguised behind challenges and difficulties. Remaining positive and present continually teaches and empowers you to accept and own your experience in a way that deepens you as a person.

That means that each and every situation you encounter creates a unique dimension that can contribute authentic value to your brand if you acknowledge it and then leverage it to your benefit. To do that, you must first accept where you are now with a healthy outlook. Then make a plan to move forward with momentum, leveraging the lessons learned into a greater narrative of future success.

Why Are You What You Are?
Is the purpose behind your brand crystal clear? Most of the leaders I coach initially tell me that they want to advance in order to make lots of money. But as we work together they start to dig deeper and see that there are stronger and more persistent motivations behind that desire for money. Maybe they want a higher income out of a desire for security, a passion to provide for their family, or to externally validate that they are talented, valuable, and successful.

In other words what really makes them tick is not the money but what it represents. Down deep you are fueled by emotions, goals, dreams, and other internal forces. Once you start to understand your core motivations within, then you’ll suddenly find it easy to uncover your unique and genuine personal and professional brand.

Brand Your Passion
Companies don’t want to hire or promote executives who are just looking for a higher salary and more job security. Those generic candidates are a dime a dozen. What organizations are looking for is that rare kind of leader who is driven from within by a commitment, an unwavering focus, a well-defined and powerful purpose, and true authentic passion.

So to make your brand outstanding concentrate on becoming laser clear on WHY you do what you do. As you answer that question you will find new ways to communicate your brand with memorable presence and credibility. Those who construct brands without first answering this profound question, on the other hand, exude a presence that seems superficial, contrived, or fake. Distinguish yourself from these “off the shelf” brands by doing your internal work. Then your clear intention and pursuit of meaning in life will permeate your brand. That’s what makes a brand magnetically attractive, credible, and compelling – and what will help you earn those prized promotions.