Are you staring at the door that’s closed? Could you be letting other career opportunities pass you by because you are still caught up in the job the ‘was’, the ideas that ‘have been’ or the people that ‘used to be’?
“Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” – Alexander Graham Bell
Whenever I hear this saying, I think of Facebook. Why? Because when I lost my job in 2010, I posted on Facebook that I was “caught on the wrong end of a downsizing” and my post was flooded with responses.
The above saying was by far the most often quoted by my Facebook friends from all over the world. It’s true. In the time that I’ve been on my own, many doors have opened, and it’s been a joy and quite an adventure discovering what lies behind them.
REMEMBER: When one door closes another opens
Also, consider the options that the closed door offers for YOU to find new opportunities on your own. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the time to devote to it? If you won the lottery tomorrow and no longer had to worry about a paycheck, would you still be doing what you’re doing? If your answer is “Heck NO!” what would you be doing instead?
I’m not saying you should jump ship immediately and go full-throttle after your dream. Choose one aspect of your dream that you can work on while you are still gainfully employed.
Focus on the career you want, and do more of what will get you there
Do you want to write a book? Start a blog. Journal for ten minutes every day. Do something that gets you in the habit of writing on a regular basis. Think about it, writing a 500-word blog every week (about the length of this article) for a year gives you 26,000 words towards your book. Little habits, done regularly, lead to massive accomplishments.
Do you want to be a professional jewellery designer? Start by making your own jewellery. See what pieces get the most compliments and keep a log of what people like. Create a few pieces for sale. Gradually add to your line and when you’ve assembled enough of a collection, host a jewellery party. Learn everything you can about having your own business so that when you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll have a solid financial foundation on which to build your business.
Do you want to be a coach – life coach, business coach, wellness coach, etc.? First and foremost, HIRE A COACH. Interview several coaches and choose the one that most closely aligns with your goals and personality. Design a plan for your business and find out from your coach the lessons that he or she has learned along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember to acknowledge the support you receive.
Put together the pieces of the Career Puzzle
You can do anything you want to do – but it won’t necessarily happen instantaneously. Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are, and you will build a base for your success.
As the saying goes, people, jobs and events come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even when we think people or circumstances are SUPPOSED to be in our lives that may not always be the case.
When it’s time to let go – LET GO. Chances are you’ll discover something or someone even better when you take the time and pay attention to the opportunities that surround you.
