How do I move forward when what I do doesn’t match who I am? This blog post provides a scripturally-based template for how to move forward.
The Essentials
During the first ten-plus years of my career, what I was doing didn’t fit well with who I am. I had some successes, but no clear pattern of growth. I worked very hard, was energetic, and deeply desired to succeed.
Unfortunately, what I was doing was misaligned with my core self because I lacked self-awareness. Moreover, lack of professional development was also an issue.
As a result, I learned the hard way that when what I do doesn’t fit who I am the outcomes are problematic.
Now, the root problem wasn’t technique or skill. In fact, I once had a regional director tell me he didn’t see much I was doing wrong!
Instead, the problem was insufficient self-awareness of who I am at my core. After a layoff, I took time, finally, for significant introspection to better understand who I am. I was assisted by wise counsel.
Then, I made a a major career shift.
At that point, my career outcomes significantly improved because what I was doing was clearly aligned with who I am.
The Precept
Remember, where I am is a problem when I’m unaware of who I am!
What to do? Begin with WHO. Don’t begin with WHY! Don’t begin with WHAT.
Allow the WHO of your inner self, as guided by spiritual insight, to direct you to your God-given life purpose, and a specific career path.
What’s the source of this pattern? Proverbs 14.8 teaches that critical thinking (“the prudent”) contributes to self-awareness (“understand his way”), which is a vital aspect of a balanced life (“wisdom”). Conversely, the foolishly overconfident remain self-deceived. So, choose wisely!
The Precept: Self-awareness, and comfort with myself, precede all else in my professional development. Proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
So, where to start this introspection process?
First, be willing to admit when your WHAT doesn’t align with your WHO! That is, when what I do doesn’t match who I am, I must take action. WHO is grounded in my values as a person.
Then, force time into your life for building self-awareness. Spinning out of that exercise, you may recognize other areas of your professional development that are lacking.
The next step is to address those needs areas. How so? Through outlets such as professional development (e.g., courses, books) and mentoring.
Commitment to growth. Become a better listener. Make the needed changes in your professional demeanor as you deliberately align WHAT you do with WHO you are.
Have you struggled to align your WHO with your WHAT? What first step could you take to create better alignment?
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