Two Steps to Jump Start Your Inspiration

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June 5, 2018

Feeling like it's time for a job or career change? You're not alone.

From my experience and the stories I hear/read about a daily basis, the vast majority of employees are not only disengaged and unhappy with their job, they're also dissatisfied with their career and dream about doing something different.

But they're afraid. They fear change.

They believe it's too late for them to do something different, they hit 30, or 40, or 50 and worry about job security or are afraid that "it's" over. The "it" that's over is our traditional way of thinking about career success.

No longer can we subscribe to the "days of old" idea of 20+ years with one company, working 9-5 at the office, a retirement package, and the promise of a wooden pen desk set for umpteen years of service. And that may be a good thing. Today's careers can feature flex or telecommute hours, work-life balance, continued education stipends, and so much more.

Not sure what kind of jobs are out there? Consider the U.S. News list of 100 Best Jobs of 2018.

Right about now, you're probably thinking that leaving the status quo job you're at right now to find work you love or to become a entrepreneur is not realistic. Despite what you're inner critic might be leading you to believe, there has never been a better time to change careers or start something new.

Yes, it will not be easy. You'll need to put in extra effort to define what's next, take risks, and break the career and life mold that you're feeling stuck in. Fortunately, there are others who've already "been there and done that" who can help provide you with some lessons learned and inspiration to jump start your journey.

STEP ONE: Subscribe and listen to podcasts that share new opportunities and ways of thinking. Take notes on ideas that inspire you. A few of my favorites include:

Relaunch by Joel Boggess and Guests In 30 minutes or less you'll hear stories of how guests relaunched their lives and careers with confidence, clarity and direction while learning practical steps you can use to inspire your relaunch.
Dream. Think. Do by Mitch Matthews and Guests Mitch and his guests inspire and motivate us to dream and think big in an entertaining way with tactical steps and relatable action plans.
How Did You Get Into That by Grant Baldwin and Guests Ever want to make a career out of IKEA furniture? Or become a Cartoonist? Or 150+ other career options? Grant and his guests share interesting stories from just about every industry you can think of and how they went from wanting more in their career to doing work they love.

STEP TWO: Create an action plan from your notes. Use podcasts and other resources to help you figure out what's important and discover what inspires you. Then act on your inspirations!

It's not going to be easy. It won't be without risks. But I can tell you that if you take action toward your new job or career dreams, it will be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding steps you've taken in your life.

Think 10 or 15 years into your future, what can you do today that your future self will thank you for?

Today is the day to start thinking bigger about who you are, what you have to offer to yourself, your family, and the world. Make this the day your journey begins.