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Get In Career Shape
By Althea DeBrule
Research suggests that as many as 8 out of 10 employed adults are in the
wrong job or career! They are in poor career-shape or have little or no
career-stamina.
If you are one of the 8 or your goal is to shape up, it is important to have
a good understanding of some basic career management principles for a
healthy career workout and to help you make the best decisions about your
career on a day-by-day basis.
Career Fitness Tips
Here are 10 proven tips to maximize your career-workout:
Set Goals You Know You Can Reach. Keep your goals realistic. Unrealistic
goals leave many people feeling like a failure even after a career success.
Rather than feeling good about what has been accomplished, many feel
dissatisfied because they have not yet attained their dream career. To
manage your expectations, set reasonable goals that can be worked on and
achieved.
Divide your career goals into manageable pieces. Bite off only what you can
chew at any given moment. Resist the urge to multi-task when working on your
career goals. If you overdo it and push yourself by trying to accomplish
everything at once, you will become discouraged and lose your motivation.
Work On Your Goals One At A Time. Prioritize your career goals and then work
to achieve the first one. Continue to tackle each subsequent goal by
completing it before starting the next one. Before you know it you will have
accomplished all of your career objectives.
Make Modest Changes To Your Work Habits. There are a number of “baby steps”
you can take to advance your career. Instead of fantasizing about the
perfect career, apply creative thinking and implement a few “quick wins” to
boost your career.
Develop A Career Roadmap. A career roadmap helps you find the best route or
direction to take to achieve your career objectives. List the actions you
will take to ensure an interesting, challenging and rewarding career that
uses your best strengths and natural talents.
Increase Your Focus. To stay challenged and to progress towards your
ultimate career goal, gradually increase the intensity and focus your
efforts as you follow your career roadmap.
Make It A “Whole-Person” Experience. Your career is more than just one or a
series of jobs. A well-rounded career includes a balance of healthy personal
relationships, work, and recreation (fun). To avoid boredom, make sure you
include others who have a stake in your career and activities you truly
enjoy.
Celebrate. Whenever you achieve a goal, do something nice for yourself. Make
sure it’s more than just a pat on the back or verbal acknowledgement; make
it worthwhile.
Consult A Career Management Specialist. If you’re serious about advancing
your career, hire a professional to help you get the most from your career
activities and to motivate you to stick with your plans.
Get A Career Fitness Partner. Find a mentor or colleague who is willing to
be your career fitness partner. Choose someone who will motivate and
challenge you when you want to quit. Or, form a support group with
co-workers who share similar career interests.
As you begin to use these tips, they may at first feel burdensome. However,
with a little effort and continued use, they will become second nature.
About the author:
Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur and seasoned human resources executive, has
focused for more than 30 years on helping people achieve their career goals.
Creator of The Extreme-Career-Makeover™ and a founding partner of RADSGroup
Organizational Consultants, she is recognized for her bottom line and
practical application of career development and management strategies in a
way that penetrates hearts and compels action.
She speaks and teaches with
inspired talent, humor and contagious zeal at management conferences and
leadership retreats nationwide, and has been featured in CFO Magazine,
Strategy@Work, Human Resource Executive Magazine. Althea is the author of
Bosses & Orchards, a compelling and candid book about how to make your work
relationship with your boss succeed. To discover how you can take your
career to a new level, visit
http://www.extreme-career-makeover.com/
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