Finding your career calling can feel daunting... It’s about aligning your work with your passions, values, and strengths, and it’s never too late to start. Here’s how to fight for your career calling and make this the year you truly thrive.

 

1. Embrace Self-Discovery

 

Finding your career calling begins with self-discovery. Take the time to understand who you are, what you value, and what drives you. This involves:

 

- Reflecting on Past Experiences: Consider the tasks and projects that have satisfied you most. What common elements can you identify?

- Identifying Your Strengths: Use tools like StrengthsFinder or simply ask for feedback from colleagues and friends to pinpoint your core competencies.

- Clarifying Your Values: Determine what principles are non-negotiable for you in a work environment. 

 

Action Step: Spend a weekend journaling about your career highs and lows. Identify patterns that highlight your true passions and strengths.

 

2. Set Clear, Aligned Goals

 

Once you’ve clarified what matters most to you, set goals aligning with your values and strengths. These goals should be:

 

- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

- Measurable: Establish criteria to track your progress.

- Achievable: Set realistic expectations.

- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your career calling.

- Time-bound: Set a deadline to stay motivated and focused.

 

Action Step: Write down three major career goals for the year. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps and review them regularly to stay on track.

 

3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

 

A growth mindset involves:

 

- Seeing Challenges as Opportunities: View setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures.

- Embracing Lifelong Learning: Continuously seek knowledge and skills to stay relevant and adaptable.

- Focusing on Effort, Not Just Results: Celebrate the progress you make, even if the end result isn’t perfect.

 

Action Step: Reflect on a recent challenge at work. Write down what you learned from the experience and how it has helped you grow.

Start now, take consistent steps, and watch your career flourish to fight for your career calling

 

4. Network with Purpose

 

Networking is more than just building a list of contacts; it’s about forming meaningful connections that can support your career. To network effectively:

 

- Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and meetups are great places to meet like-minded professionals.

- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and peers.

- Build Genuine Relationships: Focus on quality over quantity. Engage in conversations and offer value to others.

 

Action Step: Identify three industry events to attend this year and list potential contacts you’d like to meet.

 

5. Take Bold Initiatives

 

Demonstrating initiative shows your commitment to your career calling and your readiness to take on new challenges. To take bold initiatives:

 

- Propose New Ideas: Suggest improvements or new projects at work.

- Volunteer for Challenges: Take on tasks that push you out of your comfort zone.

- Be a Problem Solver: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

 

Action Step: Identify a project or area in your current role where you can take the lead. Develop a plan and present it to your supervisor.

 

6. Practice Regular Self-Reflection

 

Self-reflection is staying aligned with your calling. It helps you assess your progress, recognize your achievements, and identify areas for improvement. To practice self-reflection:

 

- Keep a Journal: Write your thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned.

- Set Aside Reflection Time: Dedicate specific weekly times to reflect on your progress.

- Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues and mentors to gain different perspectives.

 

Action Step: Start a weekly reflection journal. Include your accomplishments, challenges, and what you learned each week.

Big ideas for career start small, start now

Fight for your career calling

Fighting for your career calling involves self-discovery, goal setting, cultivating a growth mindset, purposeful networking, taking bold initiatives, and regular self-reflection. 

 Align your career with your true passions and strengths, leading to personal fulfillment and professional success.

 

If you enjoyed this blog, look at "The Power of Gratitude in Shaping Your Career" for more mindset and action steps to move your career forward.

 

#ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerSuccess #Networking #CareerGrowth

Book a complimentary Career Strategy call. Let’s talk through what you might need right now, and which career strategy service is right for you.

Access Link here: Career Strategy connect

Mindset & Action steps to power your career #TheCareerStrategyFormula©

The post Fight for Your Career Calling ~ Now. appeared first on Licia Dewing Career Strategist.

Work is more than a routine; it's a canvas where our dreams, skills, and ambitions converge. Often, the debate about work's significance revolves around whether it's interesting or tedious. However, the true essence may not lie in these extremes but in our perception and understanding of what work means to us.

 

The Neutral Definition of Work

 

At its core, 'work' is neutral, devoid of inherent interest or boredom. Our perspectives, experiences, and engagement sculpt its allure or monotony. How well we comprehend ourselves in relation to it determines our relationship with work.

 

1. What Makes Work Interesting?

 

Interest in work is an amalgamation of factors. It stems from alignment - when our passions resonate with the tasks at hand. Interest flourishes in environments fostering creativity, growth, and a sense of purpose. It’s the fusion of passion, learning, and growth that transforms mundane tasks into compelling endeavors.

 

2. What Makes Work Impactful?

 

Work gains impact when it transcends individual needs and connects with larger purposes. Impact emerges when our contributions create ripples, affecting change or touching lives. It's about finding meaning in the ripple effects of our actions, whether they're in the lives of others or in shaping the future.

 

3. What Makes Work Meaningful?

 

Meaning in work is deeply personal. It's not just about the end product but the journey, the values upheld, and the connections forged. Meaning arises from aligning our work with our values, from feeling connected to something greater than ourselves.

 

Self-Knowledge and the Art of Work

 

Understanding ourselves is the cornerstone of finding fulfillment in work. Knowing our strengths, weaknesses, passions, and the unique essence we bring to the table is pivotal. It's about acknowledging our values, aspirations, and the contribution we yearn to make.

 

Asking the Right Questions

 

Sometimes, the quest for the right career isn't about lacking answers but failing to ask ourselves the pertinent questions. Reflecting on what truly motivates, inspires, and invigorates us in a professional setting can unveil paths that resonate with our innermost selves.

 

The Quest for Fulfillment

 

The journey to finding fulfillment in work involves understanding the intersection between our skills, interests, and the greater impact we desire to achieve. It's about shaping work to fit our unique 'shape,' allowing us to embrace our passions and strengths within our professional endeavors.

 

Prompting Career Exploration

 

If you're navigating a career crossroads or seeking deeper fulfillment in your professional life, consider some thought-provoking questions:

- What drives my passion and enthusiasm?

- In what ways do I wish to create an impact through my work?

- What values are non-negotiable for me in a professional setting?

- How can I align my skills and aspirations with a meaningful career path?

- What brings me a sense of fulfillment beyond the monetary aspects of work?

 

In conclusion, work, in its essence, doesn't inherently guarantee happiness. Instead, it's the alignment of our passions, values, and contributions that weave a tapestry of fulfillment. Understanding ourselves and asking the right questions can illuminate the path towards a more meaningful and gratifying professional journey.

 

So, are you ready to embark on the exploration of your ideal career path? The quest for meaningful work begins within!

 

Explore these questions, delve deeper into your aspirations, and discover the intersection where your skills, passions, and impact converge to redefine your relationship with work.

Work is more than an obligation; it's an avenue for personal growth, fulfillment, and impact. Here, we'll uncover the keys to transforming your professional life into a fulfilling journey and outline actionable steps to align your work with your inner aspirations.

Mindset Strategy: Embrace curiosity and self-reflection. Regularly ask yourself profound questions about your aspirations, values, and the impact you wish to create through your work.

 

Key Takeaways

- Interest in work flourishes when it aligns with your passions and fosters growth.

- Impact emerges when your skills intersect with opportunities to effect change.

- Meaning arises from aligning work with your core values and a sense of purpose.

 

Self-reflection + Alignment with Values and Passions = Fulfilling Work

 

By delving into self-awareness and aligning your professional endeavors with your innermost aspirations, you can craft a career that transcends mere obligation, becoming a pathway to personal fulfillment and genuine happiness.

Remember, the journey toward meaningful work is a process, not a destination. Embrace this journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow continuously, and you'll pave the way to a more satisfying professional life.

 

If you have enjoyed reading this blog take a look at – How To Successfully Power Your Career? for more mindset and action steps to move your career forward.

Book a complimentary Career Strategy call. Let’s talk through what you might need right now, and which career strategy service is right for you.

Access Link here:  Career Strategy connect

Mindset & Action steps to power your career #TheCareerStrategyFormula©

 

The post Finding Happiness Beyond Work: Unveiling the Essence of Meaningful Work appeared first on Licia Dewing Career Strategist.

How to be an Expert in your career.

How to be an Expert in your Career- Gone are the days of the generalist. Becoming an expert in your career gives you authority and power.  You own your career, and the company owns your job. It is therefore to your benefit to become an expert in your career and leverage your growth.

How to become an expert in your career is an actionable process. Follow the steps outlined in this blog on ‘How to be an expert in your career’ and go ahead and leave a comment so I can help you with the strategy.

Wikipedia~ An expert has a broad and deep competence in terms of knowledge, skill, and experience through practice & education in a particular field

I have broken down how to become an expert in your career into 3 actionable steps.

Note: This body of knowledge is the result of my work as a career strategist for over a decade. My clients are all established and emerging experts in their niche, seeking clarity, confidence, and community to power them forward in their careers. This is the work of my signature career strategy process. #TheCareerStrategyFormula

Step 1: Know Yourself.

A solid understanding of yourself is essential to achieve expert status. You simply cannot short circuit this step. Thinking your good at something is not the right playing field. You need to know exactly what you are good at and why.

This is the hardest part to achieving expert status. This is where the real work begins, where the rubber hits the road.

Knowing yourself is what differentiates ‘expert’ from ‘good’

What motivates you, what keeps you engaged, what are you curious about, what specific tasks do you enjoy doing and why, what is it that you always do, that no one needs to ever remind you to do? These are all questions to help identity your career identity

Your career identity = your strengths and I teach that there three key elements that form your career identity.

1. What you do, your skills, job title & duties, qualifications, and career history.
2. Why you do it; your drivers, talents, and motivators and lastly
3. How you do it, which is your unique behaviours and patterns.

Developing an authentic career identity is the path to expert status. Knowing why you do what you do and how you do it, not just what you do is step1 in how to become and expert in your career.

Step 2: Laser Focus

Now that you know yourself, a laser focus is needed to dial into situations that call for your strengths. Develop a laser focus for situations that enhance your strengths and avoid situations that don’t, or worse call on your weaknesses.

The most successful ‘expert’ people are always searching for new opportunities to use their strengths. Look for projects, collaborations, teams, and even ad hoc ways to steer your strengths into focus. What you focus on improves, so it makes senses that you would focus on the situations that call for you to be an expert in your career.

Knowing what ‘works for you’ at work and what does not is the difference between expert and good.

Step 3: Get Real with the World of Work

Trying to be good at everything could be keeping you from reaching your full potential in your strongest areas. Gone are the days of the traditional generalist. Becoming and expert in your career needs you to get real with the world of work.

This step invites you to consider what of your strengths are needed in the world of work and how getting real about them will help you achieve expert status in your career.

Don’t get lured into pleasing everyone and being good at everything. Becoming an expert in your career is rewarding both personally and financially. The more of an expert you become in your career, the more in demand you are. And demand creates opportunities.

Getting real with the world of work starts with these 2 key Q’s

1. What problems does the world have that you can solve?
2. How are you positioned to help others?

Your answers here will be the fuel to charge up your expert status in your career.

The more you enhance your strengths the closer to ‘expert’ status you will be. I hope that this these 3 steps on how to become an expert in your career, inspire you. You deserve to have the career you want, and you deserve to be an expert in your career.

And as the classic saying goes ‘Go expert or go home’

In summary know yourself, stay laser focused and get real with the world of work in order to become an expert in your career. I wish I had access to this knowledge when I was in my 20’s and started out in my career. It would have saved me years of the wrong work and jump started me to become and expert in my career sooner.

If you know someone that needs to read these actionable steps on how to become an expert in your career, go ahead and share this blog with them. #SharingisCaring

Ask away in the comments below, I’d like to help you get the action steps right.

If you have enjoyed reading this blog take a look at – 3 Action Steps to reduce overwhelm on LinkedIn . for more mindset and action steps to move your career forward.

Book a complimentary Career Strategy call. Let’s talk through what you might need right now, and which career strategy service is right for you.

Access Link here: Career Strategy connect

Mindset & Action steps to power your career #TheCareerStrategyFormula©

The post How to be an Expert in your career appeared first on Licia Dewing Career Strategist.

Overwhelm on LinkedIn is real.

Now more than ever, we must take tangible steps to reduce the inevitable overwhelm that we experience online. To show up authentically and with inspiration.

The world needs to hear your voice, and I am passionate about teaching you the skills to reduce overwhelm. You deserve to create the kind of opportunities that increasing your visibility on LinkedIn provides.

They are many reasons why this overwhelm exists; namely

• Spam & Inappropriate contact
• A cluttered and irrelevant feed
• Look’ism and the beast of comparison
• Being Uninspired by your network
• Or simply the time it takes to show up authentically

Primarily, I believe that one of the biggest reasons comes from not knowing enough, but rather knowing too much.       

LINKEDIN IS A TOOL NOT A STRATEGY

Don’t expect the platform to be all things to you. You need to set the strategy of what the platform should deliver. It is our job to use the powerful tool that LinkedIn is with strategic intent. It is our job to get clear on what we want to achieve online.

A goal without a strategy to achieve it is just a wish.

A strategy without execution to action it is just hope.

We can hope and wish all we want on LinkedIn. Or we get strategic and take these 4 action steps to reduce the overwhelm.

Action Step No 1

Make sure that you have LinkedIn downloaded on your phone. The android and apple app is super user friendly and as a result much easier to navigate than the desktop version. Moreover, zoom gloom and being sedentary does not inspiration make.

The phone app will support you to access the 1 mindset strategy that I teach. ‘While the kettle boils’ , yes we take LinkedIn very seriously and treat it with the professional respect it commands. This doesn’t mean we must be in work mode on the platform.

Some of my most inspiring posts and connections often comes from accessing the platform via the phone app. Most importantly, while life happens around me I am a part of it. Rather than being holed away in my office checking out LinkedIn.

This action step may seem obvious to some. However, the App over Desktop debate will always win for me. Subsequently, when I’m at my desk, I will still chose to access my profile via the app.

This helps me reduce the overwhelm. Above all it ensures that LinkedIn remains light and inspiring for me, as opposed to becoming a drag and uninspiring.

Action Step No 2

Create a shared folder on your phone, that you can access from other devices. This will serve as a main contact point for; all things inspirational to post, people to meet, replies and comments to save.

How this plays out; while you are on LinkedIn, and you may see something or someone you would like to follow up on, however, you do not have the time to do so then. Save the info. to this share folder to action later.

As a result, you completely reduce the overwhelm.

Big time saver and overwhelm reducer.

Furthermore, you may even decide to sub divide your shared folder into more specific categories for instance

• Ideas for content
• People to reach out to
• Jobs to investigate
• Companies to research
• General Notes

Can you already see what a big reduction in overwhelm this will make?

Action Step No 3

Every post on LinkedIn has 3 grey buttons in the top righthand corner.

The reason why I call these the ‘Magic 3 Buttons’ is due to the following;

• Mute content or posts you do not wish to see.
• Report and Hide the same which is irrelevant for you
• Save & Share content.

This function is a wonderful tool provided by LinkedIn; to clean up and manage your home feed, to help reduce the overwhelm and make it more relevant.

Make sure that you use these 3 buttons vigorously to prompt the algorithms to send you more relevant content.

Book a complimentary Career Strategy call. Let’s talk through what you might need right now, and which career strategy service is right for you.  

Access Link here: Career Strategy connect

Mindset & Action steps to power your career #TheCareerStrategyFormula©

The post 3 Action Steps to reduce Overwhelm on LinkedIn appeared first on Licia Dewing Career Strategist.