CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Career Guidance - Change Will Be Constant

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The Greek philosopher, Heraclites, observed this when he made the statement, “Nothing endures but change.” You must believe that change is the norm, not the exception. A Very Important Point: Change is not a matter of “if,” but rather “when,” “how often,” “how fast,” and “how much.” Your mindset must be… change is your “constant companion” throughout life both on and off the job.

As your constant companion, be aware that change is interesting, sometimes elusive, has no conscience and doesn’t play favorites. The effects of change can strike anyone, at any time, in any position, in any vocation. Sometimes you initiate change but most often it is imposed by others or by outside forces or circumstances. Change just simply happens… often when we least expect it.

Change is like the waves of the ocean, which systematically greet the shoreline. Sometimes they lap at the sand in a leisurely pattern, slowly but gently moving the sand, but with little visible change. At other times they crash with power, changing forever that with which they come in contact. Just like the waves, change is constant and unrelenting in its movement. Just like the waves, change waits for no one; it just keeps coming with consistency, twenty-four hours a day.

Rather than looking for ways to resist change, it is important to look for ways to change. This approach will enhance your prospects of a better future. Ask yourself, what can I change to satisfy my needs both now and in the future? These needs can be survival, monetary, social, or self-esteem needs. To satisfy future needs, try to: take the initiative and chase down information to move you ahead and create role clarity for yourself. Be willing to “wing it,” loosen up, plunge into it, move with it and get comfortable with feeling your way along into the future.

You need to truly believe in change and feel the constancy of change. This is an important approach toward becoming committed to one of the most important steps for your success, which is the active process of continually recreating yourself. This requires accepting change as a life-long companion coupled with life-long learning.

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About Ingbretsen Consulting LLC:
Coach and author Roger Ingbretsen is a certified executive coach and organizational developer, providing organizational and career guidance to professionals, managers, supervisors and all individuals looking for "real world" career development and business information. His entrepreneurial approach will help you learn how to plan, lead and succeed in your career. Roger is the creator of the “Leadership Development Coaching Experience©” and author of the personal development reference eBooks, “Plan Your Career Now: The Survival Guide for the American Workplace” and “Master Your Career: Proven Strategies for Career Success©.” To know more and claim dozens of Rogers free articles go to www.ingbretsen.com or call 509 999 7008.

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