Transition Thoughts

Today I was able to process some of the emotional realities of a career transition:

* It is real that you are really in three places at once: your current job, your present feeling of being in the job and out of the job, and finding the future opportunity.
* It is real that this is tiring.  You are meeting new people to help you find the new opportunity, while doing your current position.  That is a great deal to manage.
* It is real that it takes energy to stay very positive during this process.  I am constantly saying to myself that my preferred reality is close at hand and within reach.  I am imaging myself in the new reality daily.
* It is real that when I am about to meet a potential hire, I can sometimes get ahead of myself and think that I am there to get a job.  I am there to be there with that person, not get a job.  That could come if synergy is created and mutual benefit found.

Exciting times for sure and tiring.

What drives you?

I have always been fascinated by individuals who have great drive and motivation toward a cause, purpose or mission.  I think as human beings we are just naturally drawn to people with confidence and purpose.  That is not an overly profound statement, but look at the opposite.  Are you drawn to spend time with individuals who are negative?  What if you favorite sports team is losing?  Sure you will stay with them, but it could be rather painful to watch them week after week. 

What drives people to greatness?  Or said another way what is it that truly motivates human beings each and every day to head off to work and put in 10 hours a day? It could be fear, the boss, the paycheck, a mission, the people you work with, your children, or it could be your parents.

When Dan Pink released his latest book "Drive" I was immediately captured by the title.  It fits so perfectly with this bit of my current journey.  Just to give you a sneak peak, Pink suggests that intrinsic motivation is critical to sustainable success over time.  The traditional extrinsic motivators could actually cause great harm and will not produce the results we want in our lives or businesses. 

Stay tuned for further posts about the subject of drive...

Anybody got a flashlight?

My friend Kris Taylor sent a great Christmas present to her colleagues and contacts.  It was a flashlight sent in a round postal tube.  It was the kind of present that created enough curiosity for me to actually read the enclosed letter.  She shared a great story about how as humans we are naturally drawn to the light, but our greatest fears reside in the darkness.

 "Total darkness is not knowing - what lurks there, where obstacles may be, and the uneasy feeling that there may be something that is a threat. It is in darkness that we exaggerate our fears, make things up, and imagine the worst."


It is important to stay positive and engaged in the light. Enjoy the light that is in front of you and focus on the positives.  Part of the fun is in the journey and in finding new opportunities.

New Satisfaction Study

I am personally tired of the negative press related to unemployment.  I look at the numbers in reverse by saying to myself, "90% of Americans are going to work today."  That just feels more positive.

Anyway, this link in today's Indianapolis Star provides some interesting information regarding workers satisfaction with their employment.  The study found that 45% of Americans are currently satisfied with their work.  I think this might be a little high.  The reasons cited included low wages, bad boss and health insurance costs.  Another reason was the fact that workers found their jobs uninteresting.

Americans need to take risk, follow their interests and strengths and consider their hearts when pursuing their next career.  I might suggest that the growth of America is dependent on this and your personal happiness, growth and life engagement is at risk as well.

Viktor E. Frankl

My friend Mike Donahue suggested I read the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl.  I loved it.  It seemed like a good place to start as I pursued taking a break from my "project" and take some time to reflect.  I am so glad that I did.  There were several great items I took from this book.

1) Page 108 paraphrase: The meaning of your life is being "present" in the moment you are in currently.  I would say that I can be very distracted.  The idea of just enjoying the moment was a great reminder.
2) Page 110 paraphrase: The more one forgets himself by giving to others, the more likely to realize one's cause.  I love this.  So true.
3) Page 110: The three parts of a purposeful life include the following a) creating a work and doing a work b) experiencing something or encountering someone c) attitude toward something like suffering remaining positive and abundant

I would recommend reading this book if you have not already.