3 SIMPLE STEPS FOR ACHIEVING GREATER CAREER SATISFACTION

Everybody has thought “what if?” at one time or another.

In fact, they’ve probably asked that question about more than one aspect of their life—their family, their personal life, and/or their career.  It’s the last of these aspects that we’re going to address in this blog post.

That’s because “what if?” questions can have a negative impact on a person’s career satisfaction . . . IF they allow that to happen.
However, here’s the good news: you can turn those same “what if?” questions into a way to increase your career satisfaction.  All it takes is a different perspective and frame of mind.

How do you accomplish that?  By asking “what if?” questions not about your past, but about your future.

In this fashion, you’re taking the focus off things you could have done and have no control over now and putting it on things you can still do and have much more control over.

With that in mind, follow this simple three-step process for achieving greater career satisfaction:
#1—Ask “what if?” questions about the future of your career.
Once again, this transforms your thinking process.  Specifically, instead of focusing on regrets, you’re instead focusing on possibilities, which are much more fun and contribute greatly to a positive outlook.  You’ll find that these “what if?” questions will more than likely involve things about which you are passionate.
#2—Collect advice and other opinions.
If you’re in a mentoring relationship, ask for the input of that mentor.  Also ask trusted friends and colleagues who are familiar with your strengths and weaknesses.  The more information you can compile, and the more accurate that information is, the better.
#3—Create a plan of action from the possibilities.
Now that you have a list of possibilities, how are you going to get there from here?  With the “end game” in sight, you’re better able to draw a line between these two points.  You can also attack your list of possibilities by first focusing on the ones that make you the most excited about the future.
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When it comes to your career, don’t live in the past.  Instead, ask exciting, provocative questions about your future and focus on the things you need to do to take you where you want to go.