What's your vision for life and work? Did you plan for your life and career to look like it does today? Or did you plan something entirely different?
Rarely does our adult life look as we imagined when we were little. Of course, not many of us worried about the financial burden, career advancement, or fairness in the workplace when we were 10 years old. Nor did we worry about the daily challenges of raising a family and balancing family with our careers.
Success and fulfillment in our workplace aren’t defined the same for everyone. For some, we are fulfilled by a company culture that is encouraging and supportive - no matter the job. Others long for the status of a title behind their name. Yet others don’t think much about being fulfilled at work - they receive fulfillment from the job supporting their family needs.
What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead?
Perhaps you envisioned a two-story home with a white picket fence, marrying the first boy you kissed, two children, and a family pet. Maybe you had different aspirations. Maybe you didn’t have any set ideals.
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How do you want to feel at work?
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What do you hope to achieve in your career?
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What are your life goals?
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Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Twenty years?
These are all good questions to ask yourself if you want to find the right job and make the most of your life.
Having a vision for your career is good, but keeping yourself grounded in reality is also important.
What inspires you to be who you are?
Inspiration comes from within - and from those around you. What is your inspiration? Is it a mentor or someone you admire? Is it your child who looks up to you as their inspiration?
Inspiration can change over time. Your situation can shape it. It can be a moment in time or an ongoing feeling. As you grow in your life and career, your inspiration will be shaped by your aspirations…likewise your aspirations will show you your inspiration.
Maybe your inspiration is
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Resilience
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Following a passion
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Overcoming adversity
Or maybe it is motivating others…
Being able to motivate a team to take on challenges, overcoming obstacles, and achieving goals is a powerful feeling!
How do you motivate yourself and others?
Doing the same thing day after day can be its own challenge. It can become dull and mundane, and we often crave a challenge. If your vision includes becoming a great leader, you must motivate yourself and others.
Seeing your team grow and develop under your tutelage can give you a sense of accomplishment. Helping others achieve their goals can be personally rewarding. Do this by setting realistic goals. Huge goals are great, but try breaking them down into smaller chunks. Lessen the chances of becoming overwhelmed.
Whether you are looking to those in your workplace or those at home, offer encouragement and support, be a mentor, be organized, and celebrate successes - large and small. Use what inspires and motivates you to reach your vision, and don’t be afraid to celebrate along the way or let your vision change with your circumstances. You are the only one who sets your vision!
