Over the last decade, I have noticed that many professionals who are unhappy with their career are not using their time and talents in a way that feels meaningful to them.
Whether it is a small pivot within one’s role or a complete career overhaul, the greatest impact comes from being more aligned with how you spend your time at work and creating outcomes that are meaningful.
In my experience, one of the best ways to tap into these insights and identify more fulfilling opportunities is by exploring childhood memories and identifying patterns of where we thrive and what holds us back.
For example, when I think back to my childhood and being bullied in the 4th and 5th grades, I felt a complete sense of disconnection, which motivated me to want to connect and be liked by others.
While I still find it unpleasant to think about my memories of being bullied, one positive outcome of my longing to connect with others, is that I’ve learned to read people's body language and listen, which I think it one of my best assets.
When I’ve made career choices that moved me away from connecting with others, I’ve felt dissatisfied at work. For example, when I had a job as case manager for Medicaid patients, I was a paper pusher and hated the role. On the flip side, when I ran young professional networking events and started my practice as a career coach, I’ve found that I’m able to thrive and enjoy my work because it’s the best use of my time and talents.
We've learned through modern psychology that humans form their identify in the first seven years of childhood, which includes some of their behavioral patterns, core drivers, and motivating talents.
In my experience, the benefit of explore childhood memories is to learn why we do what we do, and what gives us a sense of meaning and purpose in our work.
With this information, it’s easier to make informed career changes moving forward (from the smallest pivot to a career overhaul).
I created The Inner Compass Process to help individuals clarify their career or business direction and gain the skills to make a successful change and I am excited to bring this to even more people in need of support.
I'm proud to announce that I will be launching The Inner Compass Process, a self- paced online course on October 30th. The course guides career changers and business owners through a series of exercises to rediscover what makes them thrive, research career opportunities that are more aligned with their needs, and create a roadmap of next steps to achieve their goals.
Please click here to access free trainings and course announcements.