Developing a Career in Tuned with You

Developing a Career in Tuned with You

Dorothy Narcisse, MSW

Many times people go through life content with the fact that they’ve earned a degree and/or that they have a job that allows them to pay the bills and vacation. However, there is always that underlying factor of purpose and happiness. Yes,two terms which human nature strive for, on a daily basis. If you are an ambitious person and pride yourself in upward mobility eventually you get bored need a change. Maybe you are still in the process of establishing your career and professional brand.

Embarking in my own journey of life as it relates to my career and feeling purposeful; I realized that humans are never content. I say this in a generalized manner because as happy we may be there’s always something to be sad about. As rich as we may be there’s always something that we need. In developing a career that is in tuned with our personal being we have to come to terms with all of these aspects of non-contentment. I have coordinated ten life areas which are helpful in making progress towards a purposeful career.

1. Personal reflection and development:
When we are honest with ourselves about what we want in life and why we want it we have a better understanding as to where we’d like to go with our careers.

2. Spirituality as a higher driving force:
No matter what religion or spiritual back round we come from, we all have a holistic driving force. This force taps into our motivation and emotional being. It is a good idea to look to your higher power when making career decisions. Our spiritual driving force helps us to understand our purpose and calling. Fulfilling our purpose is exactly what it means to develop a career in tuned with oneself. It is more than getting paid it is your professional contribution to the world.

3. Guidance and trustworthy company:
Be careful of the company you keep because in the same way you can be motivated is the same way you can be stagnated. It is best to engage in fellowship with others who are achieving a purpose also. When you seek mentorship from those who are more skilled, you expedite the transformation of your advancement.

4. Short term verses long term goals:
When you write down your ideas and research on careers of your choice you can easily come up with your short and long term goals. Short terms goals are those that can be oriented on a daily basis which ultimately lead you to your long term goals that are ultimately achieved.

5. Daily action and efforts:
Do not let one day go without making an effort towards your goals. Whether it is reading a book which assist in your personal development or doing some research in your career areas! You will stay motivated by making daily efforts. Remember “Rome was not built in a day”. Before you know it, your daily efforts have turned into this long term desire which you have yearned for so long.

6. Mentorship and expertise:
As you embark on your journey you want to share your success with others. I learned in one of my courses about the different types of leadership (servant, shared, and transformational.) It is best to find your leadership style so that you can help others advance towards their goals. As a leader, you become empowered when you help others succeed as well.

7. Maintenance and structure:
As a leader you are looked upon therefore having a positive character and being structured is beneficial to your reputation. I have had many instances when my authoritative figures have lack structure, and I become lost or simply uninterested.

8. Real self verse social portrayal:
Remember that you are human and although there’s a level of professionalism that you should keep; never lose your true self. Many will like you; others will judge you and can be skeptical. However, those are instances where you have to utilize you personal reflection skills and accept that it is a lonely place at the top. The scrutiny of others has the ability to build your character only if you remain objective, positive, and steer away from possible negativity.

9. Utilizing adverse experiences:
It is not a straightforward process, and there will be times where life’s stressors attack; such as death of a love one, illness, divorce or failed relationships, raising children alone, losing a job, financial issues etc. I have always been a fan of using adverse experiences in a positive manner. Your spirituality, maintenance and structure will come in handy during these times. You gain a level of resilience during these times.

10. Making Room for mistakes:
Last but not lease remember that you are human, and you are entitled to make mistakes. Be confident in taking initiative and when a mistake is made look to your positive company and/or mentor to assists you in moving forward. Pride has no place in your journey of advancement while humility opens many doors of opportunity.

These steps have not been ranked in any order, and they can actually overlap one another. As you embark on your journey towards your destined purpose you find that these actions steps must consistently be put into play. Look for more articles defining this action steps as I was not able to fully depict all areas in detail. I trust that you now have a level of awareness towards purpose, contentment towards your career choice.

Dorothy Narcisse, January 17, 2013