Today I decided to sit down and think about my career, really take the time to think through before I have one of those career conversations with my Manager after the year I have had.
Career conversations in the past I would avoid. Being a Working Mum, young children, life in general, got in the way to even think too far ahead as to what I might want to do in my future when I am concentrating on my children, on their future, helping them to get through school and day-to-day life as they grow up into young adults themselves. I did not have the inclination to think about myself, that I was happy in what I was doing. However, I do feel that I am one of the lucky ones that my job has been very fulfilling over the years, full of wonderful opportunities that I did not have to go to far to see change, as it happened regularly.
To work for a corporation that is focused on providing opportunities in helping you to make your skills relevant is a blessing in disguise. And when you are ready to progress, to make that leap of faith and focus on yourself, then there are plenty of activities and courses available to do so, but you are expected to make time in accepting these opportunities. Some people embrace, some people (like me) need to stop telling ourselves “I don’t have the time”, and to turn that around and make learning a “priority” to make it happen!
This year, for me, there has been a HUGE growth in all areas of my life, taking me so far out of my comfort zone, that you cannot avoid to change your way of thinking. To be accepted into CSC last year meant a year of huge changes. Making myself a priority to be ready to accept and partake in one of the biggest experiences of my life was bumpy, was frightening, was exhilarating, was enormous. This past year has provided a year of learning, growth, and change. Just when you think you got it, wham, something else comes along which is more thought provoking, provides you the ability to look at things in a different way. How cool is that!
Thought provoking articles, courses, movies, in fact, most things in life, keep you on your toes, as nothing ever stays the same! One little word, phrase, action, feeling, is all that it takes for your world to change! How you embrace and react towards that change makes all the difference, can keep you sane.
But of course, this depends where you are at in your mindset. Are you happy? What are your thoughts on stress? What past experiences are you hanging on to? Does your past hold you back? Do you want your past to remain holding you back? Remember, past means past, it has happened, and there is ALWAYS a reason for things that happen in one’s life. Everyone has a past, every single person has their own personal story, but does that define you? Only if you let it.
Take charge of your present, of your future! Find someone or something to help you process the past, help you to let it go, to forgive and release yourself from the pain of the past, and to teach you to embrace it, learn from it, move on from it. I have personally done many different types of things to help let go, which has given me a sense of freedom, a weight that has lifted. A personal spiritual path that has benefited me in so many ways.
So yes, in the corporate world, times are a changing. To my surprise, as I explore what learning there is, there are some courses in IBM that are very interesting. Although just as important, but it’s not all about Blockchain, Security, Cognitive Computing and AI (Artificial Intelligence), Analytics, etc., there is a shift in additional courses you can do. Mindfulness, Coaching, Mentoring, Communicating more effectively, Stress, Emotional Intelligence, all relevant skills to help you to be more effective as a person, as a leader!
Out of one of my courses, I have decided to take on a challenge. So whom is up for joining me in what I call the “Happiness and Good Stress in a Changing World” challenge? You are? Then I urge you for the next 21 days, to choose one of the five activities below that connect with positive change in your own personal world. You can pick the same one and do it for 21 days, or a different one for each day and mix it up:
- Write down 3 things you were grateful for.
- Share a positive message to someone in their social support network.
- Meditate at your desk for two minutes.
- Do some exercise for 10 minutes – walking, jogging, yoga, pilates, etc.
- Take 2 minutes to journal and describe the most meaningful experience of the past 24 hours.
I would be interested to see how you go. I will share how I went after the 21 days!
Nothing is more beautiful than the possibilities of change, of acceptance, of stress being a positive in your life, beating all odds. Changing your perception slightly, and its amazing how your outlook on life can change. Do not get me wrong, it takes work, takes dedication, it’s a muscle that needs to be exercised, but if you do take the time, the rewards are limitless!
Disclaimer: All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.
Sharon Tunley 