We have all had those times during our lives where our jobs were just to pay the rent. Believe me, I've had a bunch of them! There's nothing wrong with that, either. Even if you do have a great job that you love, I always say this: Some days it's a dream job, some days it's a paycheck.
Any job you have, whether it's your dream job or not, can't be all sunshine, rainbows and butterflies every day. Think about that.
If your job is too easy, you probably should be working towards some kind of promotion, or maybe you aren't making as much money as you'd like because you're doing a job that's easy to do. Also, remember that your job is, and should feel like work. If a job is fun every day, we wouldn't get paid to do it! They wouldn't call it work, they'd call it fun!
But let's get back to the point. Do you LOVE your job? Are you doing the type of work you always dreamed of doing? If not, don't be discouraged. You're just going through one of those 'just a paycheck' times.
Let me ask you a question. What do you love to do so much that you would do it for free? I'm sure you've heard that question before. I just want you to know that it is an extremely important question and if you not love what you do, you need to give this some serious thought.
One of the goals we all need to have set for ourselves is a career goal. Even if you do have your dream job, what is your next step? Is it to get promoted? Is it to break out on your own and do that job for yourself, independently? Scary? Not everyone is comfortable being self-employed and that is just fine. If you know that about yourself, then think about what your next step in your chosen field should be. Is it more education? More self-confidence? A promotion within your company? A move to a bigger company? You must always know your next step.
Once you know the next step up in your company, you must ask yourself what you need to do to get there. So many people just keep swimming along, hoping that their boss will recognize them and come to them to offer a promotion. It happens occasionally, but honestly, the bad news is unless you put yourself out there and let the right people know that you want more, most likely you'll just stay where you are. Trust me on this. Been there, done that, got disappointed, will not wear the T- shirt.
Set a goal for yourself to get all of the information you can find about the position you'd like to have next. See if there are specific things you need to learn, and go get that information, too! Once you are armed with the information on what you want and need, you can get yourself working towards that job. You can talk to your supervisor about it. Every employer wants self motivated, forward thinking people. Be that person. Know what is next for you and GO AFTER IT!
Now let's say you are wanting to build your own brand or business. Who do you have mentoring you? Who do you know, or know of, who has already made the move you're thinking about? Have you reached out to that person? Don't think of yourself as a competitor of theirs. Think of yourself as someone with a common goal! And just like the individual I was addressing before you, have you spent time researching what would be required for you to step on out?? This information is vital if you are going to be in a business similar to your current employer. Set a goal for yourself to learn the parts of the business you don't already know. This way you will be prepared to discuss your goals with your boss.
Now what if neither of these people are you? Maybe you have a dream! Maybe you have a business idea that you've always wanted to explore. Do the research, but give yourself a deadline! There are people out there who have million dollar ideas, but can't seem to get started. The more you learn, the easier it will be for you to make it happen.
Don't have that brilliant idea yet but want one? Keep searching your heart. When trying to come up with YOUR business idea, don't start out looking for big money. Look for something that you are passionate about. Look for something that will make you bounce out of bed in the morning. Look for something you really, really love...and probably would do for free. Once you figure that out, then you need to put your thinking cap on and find a way to make money doing it.
I'm sure you've heard people say, "Do what you love and the money will follow." I love that quote, but...and a BIG OL' BUT...I want it mapped out. I want to know HOW the money will follow. And WHEN it will follow. That's part of the research. You need all the facts before you walk away from your current job. (Unless you are independently wealthy, or 100% debt free!). You'll need your job to keep the bills paid and provide you with an income while you get your plans into place, and your company up and running.
So I say again, set some goals for yourself. A deadline to get your research done. How about a deadline to actually get the research started? Learn how the money will be made, calculate how long it will take you to replace your current income.
You should examine your goals often. At least weekly to be sure you are on track. If you're not on track, you need to ask yourself what it is that's holding you back. You may need to revisit your goal and make some changes. Also ok! Your goals are not cast in concrete! You can change them as you need to change them. Just don't let yourself off the hook too easily.
Set some career goals. You need to be moving forward in one way or another. Don't settle for the status quo. But we know you would NEVER settle for less than your potential! You're planning and setting goals for your own 365 Brilliant Days!!
Love and blinding brilliance,
Donna
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