02 4 / 2012
How to keep swinging, even when your hands are tied:
No matter how smart, nimble, or prepared a person is, life has a funny way of dropping road blocks that can’t be climbed over. Professionally, some of these roadblocks include unexpected client losses, budget cuts, and even dreaded layoffs. Suddenly, the long sunny path you were on turns into a dead-end. You can try your best to bulldoze forward, but there seems to be barriers everywhere. Many people I know have been in this situation - from shooting star to being stuck in a muddy ditch.
I know that this position seems helpless, but one of my personal rules is such: never settle for something you don’t believe in. I believe that you can only grasps the stars that you reach high enough for, and even when it feels like your hands are tied (often due to things such as finances, personal ties, and lack of opportunities) there are some of the ways I’ve learned to keep swinging for my stars:
Turn anger into a motivator
- Recently, I learned of the concept of “healthy anger.” Although most people have negative associations with this emotion, this is actually one of the most powerful catalysts for positive change. Just think of all the activists who fought poverty and inequality, fueled by their anger towards injustice. Next time someone tries to throw sticks at you to break your bones, save those sticks to keep as kindling for your fire.
Switch things up
- Einstein famously said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting different results. If you spent that past year working hard, staying late, and yet did not achieve your career goals, then it’s time to make a change in how you do things. Perhaps you learn how to delegate your workload. Perhaps experiment with new process and formats. Heck, the answer may even be to change jobs! Whether it’s a big change or a small one, if you’re straight path lead to a dead end, then it’s time to change direction.
Grieve, let go, welcome risk
- It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay that things didn’t go according to plan. Acknowledge your sadness, let it out, and open your heart to new things. You may have some slow moments, you may have some hectic moments. You may however, find those satisfying, joy inspiring moments that you are currently missing out on.
Stay strong. Stay ambitious. Keep swinging.
15 3 / 2012
Brain Food
Got a craving for thought and knowledge? Here as some great digital and marketing-related articles that I recommend:
- When Consumer Complaints go Viral
- 5 Highly Relevant Trends in Digital Marketing
- Roundtable Discussion on Shopper Marketing
- 5 Biggest Mistakes in Social Media
Bon Appetit!
