I was looking out of a cafe window watching the world go by when I saw this sign at a construction site opposite.
I instantly loved it.
“The Road to Success is Always Under Construction”
It made me think about my own career path and the journey I have taken to get here. Like many people I meet, it wasn’t the path I initially envisaged and it certainly wasn’t a straight road either.
I considered, if I had to map out a picture of my real career path as a ‘journey’ what would it really look like?
Well, it would be a very complex, windy road with random obstacles, diversions and road maintenance delays. There would be bumps and dips and a few nasty pot holes for sure along with steep inclines, twists and turns. However, some of it would be on smooth tarmac with no traffic and great views. Whereas some parts of my career path would be less comfortable with storm clouds and rough terrain.
I have not yet met anyone who has set off on their career path after School or University and just sailed through their career without diverting, digressing or overcoming many obstacles and challenges.
One thing is for sure, many of us don’t really appreciate the journey we have made so far, or think about what we have achieved and what we have learnt on the way.
- Think about your career path and what has your journey looked like so far?
- What diversions and obstacles have you faced and how have you overcome them?
- What have you learnt about yourself on the way and what have you achieved so far?
- Where is your career path leading you now and is it the direction you planned?
- Do you need to make any changes to your career path to keep it on track?
It’s important to remember how your path is always under construction and you are playing the role of both Construction Manager as well as the end user – you are in charge!
Obstacles, delays and challenges will always appear and it’s about how you manage them that enables you to continue in a positive way. If you come up to an obstacle ask yourself “how can I get around this?
- If it’s too high, what help do you need to climb over it?
- If it’s too steep, who can help to push you on?
- It it’s too bumpy, who can help you smooth things over?
- If it’s going in the wrong direction, pull in to a lay by and re-assess your options and take a different direction.
Enjoy your journey, make the most of it and if you don’t like the way it’s going…………………………..change it!
If you’d like to have a chat about getting some help to manage your Career Path, get in touch. I offer a free 30 minute Career Conversation to give you an opportunity to talk things through and hear how I can help you.
photo credit: Jamie Street – Unsplash
