Self-knowledge,amp,#58,The,key DIY Self-knowledge: The key to finding the right career
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and
Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end and adirection. For many people, the present direction of thecareer is probably not a result of entirely their ownchoices. If, for some reason, you are not happy with thedirection of your career, there is a way out: Take charge ofyour career and change its direction.1. Know yourselfHas it happened with you that after desperately looking forsomething (e.g., keys) all over the place, you eventuallyfound it right in your pocket or drawer?That's exactly the case with finding a new career direction.Usually, we try to search for a new career direction bylooking all around, for example, at hot jobs, emergingfields, prestigious companies, friend's career, what's safeand so on. Ironically, we fail to look for the answer whereit actually lies: inside us.The secret of finding the right career direction is not tolook outside but to look inside. Know yourself and you willautomatically know the right direction for your career.2. Dig deeperMost people define themselves is terms of what they write intheir resumes. That's just the tip of the iceberg. To reallyknow yourself, dig deeper and uncover your:(a) Strengths(b) Personality(c) Values(d) Interests(a) StrengthsYour strength is what you do well and enjoy doing it. Wenever fail to admire strengths in top athletes, painters,writers, leaders but fail to ask "What is my strength?"Strengths have a solid connection with a person's career.According to Peter Drucker, a person can only perform fromhis strength. In other words, mediocrity is guaranteed if wefail to use our strengths. So know your strengths and getinto a career that allows you to leverage your strengths tothe maximum.Discover your strengths by asking:- What am I good at and also enjoy doing?- What makes me feel energized?- What comes naturally and easily to me?(b) PersonalityPersonality is the sum total of a person's behavioral,temperamental and emotional traits. For example, some peopleare by nature extrovert and enjoy meeting other people. Butsome people are born introvert and feel more comfortablewhen left alone.Studies show a direct link between a person's personalityand his career. Indeed, if you are an extrovert person, youwould do well in roles such as sales, marketing, publicrelations. But an introvert person would be better off inroles that do not require public dealing.To know your personality in detail and its implications onyour career, appear at personality tests such as MyersBriggs Test Instrument (MBTI).(c) ValuesValues are what you consider important and valuable. Valuesdiffer from person to person and can range from things likemoney, prestige and power to more subtle things likerespect, harmony and independence.Your values hint towards the kind of work that will suityou. For example, if you value "achievement, "you would dowell in roles that regularly throw challenges at you.Someone else, however, may value "helping others" and,therefore, would do well in occupations that provide anopportunity to serve others.To know your values, ask yourself what is important to you,make a list and prioritize the items. You can also use valueinventories on the Internet to identify your values.(d) InterestsShould the work be interesting? Yes, for an importantreason: If your work arouses your interest, you are goingto do well. History shows that great achievers always pursuedwhat fascinated them. Akio Morita shunned the option of joiningthe family business of sake brewing to pursue what he wasinterested in: an electronics start-up. And he created Sony.Doing the work that interests you can have a lasting impacton your career. To uncover your interests, find out whatfascinates you and draws your attention.Knowing your strengths, personality, values and interests islike having a compass with its needle pointing towards theright direction for your career.Atul Mathur © 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Self-knowledge,amp,#58,The,key