How do we handle change in our careers? Do you see the vibrancy in change?

 

"Look around you and the colors come to life as the trees change for the upcoming winter ahead.  The trees have found a way to celebrate change through a display of brilliant colors.  We are faced with change daily, but do we display an array of colors?  How often do we dwell on the changes, but not on the great adventure that lies ahead?

Championing change is quite a unique concept.  It means to step forward and take on the change that is in front of you.  We need to embrace the change with enthusiasm and learn to turn that possible obstacle into the wonderful opportunity.  As we find ourselves with less and yet expected to do more, we need to work together to find positive solutions.  We can become that vibrant tree of color just by taking a positive approach to what lies ahead. 
As you see the changes around you, find time to look for the positive outcome that you can help create.  We have a choice each and every day.  We can choose a positive attitude or an attitude of negativity.  Let’s wake up every day and declare, “This is going to be the greatest day of my life!” and watch how those things that change around us aren’t so ominous.  Make the choice and choose to live each and every day to the fullest."

You may be asking, "But how do I do that?"  It is a process and not an instant fix.  You can utilize positive affirmations, seek others' opinions and find ways to relieve stress, but it takes you to actually create this positive approach to change.  We actually create outcomes through out thinking as we begin to "act out" what we feel and or envision.  Action is the true catalyst to solving the adverse reaction to change.  You have heard the saying, "No one ever said life was going to be easy."  Well, it's true.  Life isn't easy as it is an adventure.  We need first to determine our approach to life and what the meaning is for us individually.  This process can actually take a lifetime if you do not stop long enough to search You.  Your career is a big part of your life.  But, is it?  There are six pieces of our lives that we balance each and every day.  Career is only one piece of our life, yet it can consume our other pieces to balanced living.  Maybe it is time for a career change or you cannot seem to find that perfect career.  Whatever the case may be, begin to accept change and as the tree prepares for the winter months ahead so should you.  Develop your toolbox and prepare for changes that are occurring in your career and in life.  Challenge change and find ways to move forward.  There are many support systems in place, so find one that best fits you.  Be a champion and live for today because tomorrow is counting on you.  The answer is really quite simple.  Want to know it?

How can you look at your belongings and see your life story thus far? What's next?

The past two weeks I have been helping a family as they are moving their elderly mother to a home.  As we go through the items in the home for trash, sale, donation and even holding onto, I began to see how precious our lives are.  The items we have processed tell a story of a family and their travels through life.  The challenges the mother faced as a child, teenager and adult.  The family history of internment camps and racism.  Struggling to make ends meet at times during their adventures and the loss of family and friends along the way.  As we came across pictures from long ago to recent, I noticed the pride and smiles on the faces.  No matter what life had dealt this family, they stayed together.  They were not given a life that with an open and easy path, but one with obstacles along the way.  The challenges of being held in camps during the World War II era, facing racism after the war and always being challenged in everything they faced, made me realize how resilient we are.  Through all the trials, they still have family.  They kept what was most important and let the other things in life go.  Value was put in the family, helping others and having faith.  Look at your life.  Pull out photo albums and look at 'trinkets' around your home.  What is your story?  What changes can you make?  No need to worry about the past because we cannot change it and no need to worry about the future because it has yet to be determined.  Look at your past and see where you want to be in the future, but use today as the catalyst.  What can you do today to determine your future?  As we grow, we can begin to realize our true potential.  At the TAJL Group we are about to offer a series on our website that will help you create that path you are seeking or help you determine a new path.  Join us soon as we begin to offer our series on our website with limited availability. www.thetajlgroup.com   Please look at your life and see the tremendous value you have.  Let where you have been tell a story that will help you create a new journey.

How combining two of your attributes can simplify life.

Over 15 years ago I developed a process that helped me keep life simple.  As I have gone through life asking “What Now?”, I have had to develop a process to get through those challenging times.  We all face times in our lives where we are challenged with the “What Now?”  How can we easily conquer this question?  We all can simply utilize two natural attributes that we possess.  I combined the attributes into one term, “Commonsensical.”  Naturally when we combine our Common Sense with our Comical nature we develop our Commonsensical approach to living.  Instead of stressing, over-analyzing and developing strained relationships, we can simply use these two attributes to get through those challenging times.   Our “gut” feeling as it is called, has historically served us well.  Think about this for a second and you will recall those times your common sense supported you.  I created a decision making process for myself many years ago as a leader.  I tended to over-analyze situations when making decisions, so I created a process to make a decision with my “gut” and write it down.  I would then go through my analytical process to make my decision and then compare my outcomes.  Well, over 80% of the time I could have went with my Common Sense and saved a great deal of time.  As far as the Comical side goes, we all need to lighten up in life and not take ourselves so seriously.  We tend take the smallest event and create a monumental adventure.  How do you take on life?  Check your level of courage and how you deal with fear.  Can you utilize this in your career?   

You can use this approach in everyday life.  Your career search, performance and goals will be enhanced by using this one simple approach - "Commonsensical"  Give it a try and share your results with us.  Share a comment and challenge me on this concept.  See if we can help you and everyone else who is trying to answer that daily what now.

"The Stump"

Where are you on your path to your goal?  What obstacles are you facing?

Visit our website at www.thetajlgroup.com  to view the short story: "The Stump"

Due to some requests, here is a copy of "The Stump"

"THE STUMP"                                                         

 

As I walked along a path, I came to a stump that blocked my way.  I stopped and pondered, “What shall I do?” I had choices to make as I stood before this stump.  I thought to myself, “What now that my path is blocked?” I had journeyed so long and hard to reach what is behind that stump. My first thought was to turn around and go back.  It would be too much work to climb over the stump to the other side. But, I would have to give up on what was behind that stump. I came up with another thought. I could easily go to the left and find another path to travel and find something else to replace what I am after. But, I would have to give up on what was behind that stump. I thought I had it, I’d go to the right on another path and find that something else. But, I would have to give up on what was behind that stump. I stood there for a moment.  I thought about my journey and that item behind that stump.  What was I to do? I have it. I’ll climb that stump. I started my journey again. The climb was hard at first. I stumbled and fell back down. I gathered some support, ideas and tools. I started on my journey again.  Hey, I made it to the top! How do I cross to the other side? I gathered some more support, ideas and tools. I started my journey again. I stumbled, but I kept going. I reached the other side of the stump and gazed at what I had journeyed for. There it was my dream, my goal. I only had to reach out and grab that dream. It was mine. A great fear came across me as I begun to reach out. Was I afraid of success? Was it that I have never believed in my abilities, my potential? Why the fear? I pondered for a moment. It was time to take hold of that dream. I took hold and a new wonderful feeling came across me. I felt confident as success began to settle in, but then my dream began to point in a new direction. I gazed at a new path before me. I took the first step and carried my dream with me. My new journey had just begun.                                     

 

Jeffrey Lund  ©2001

 

"THE STUMP" - Discussion

Question:   What goal are you trying to reach?

Question:   What obstacle or obstacles are in your way?

Question:   What are the "support, ideas and tools?"? How do I find them?

Question:   Have you given up on your dreams?

Please enter your answers on our Social Forum page on our website.  Thanks- enjoy!