CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Discover Who You Are!

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A friend once told me, it is much more important to know who you are than where you are going, because where you are going will definitely change as the world around you changes. I would also add that most of us have little or no control over how the world around us will change. However, if you take the time to know yourself or at the very least have somewhat of an idea about your likes or dislikes and your strengths and weaknesses, you may be better prepared to make better choices. This in turn can make you feel more satisfied, fulfilled and happier with your life both on and off the job.

Getting to know who you are consists of becoming aware of what is important to you and developing a reasonably solid understanding of yourself. This requires taking some time out of your busy schedule and quietly reflecting about many aspects of your life. You need to pursue a fact-finding mission about your values and beliefs along with how you see yourself in your private and public life. A thoughtful self assessment of getting to know who you are can help facilitate the alignment of your values and beliefs, so your actions will more closely serve your needs.

To discover new truths about yourself and life in general, question your beliefs and assumptions. Do not be committed to them just because that is what you have always done, but rather take the time to truly examine why you believe the way you do. At first blush, this could appear to be both difficult and challenging; however, by simply asking yourself questions such as the following, you can start this process. Get out a piece of paper or your computer and write answers to the following twenty questions. Trust me; this self assessment exercise is a real eye opener.

1. Am I happy?

2. Am I proud of my accomplishments?

3. Am I truly excited about what I do?

4. What are my interests, my passion?

5. What do I enjoy doing the most?

6. What are my goals both on and off the job?

7. What kind of work do I want to do?

8. What do I think I am really good at doing?

9. What do I think others think about me?

10. What are my strengths?

11. What are my weaknesses?

12. Where do I want to live?

13. Do I like to travel or stay in one place?

14. Do I prefer stability and regularity?

15. Do I enjoy risk taking and change?

16. Do I like to work fixed or flexible hours?

17. Do I think I am a fair and just person?

18. Do I want leadership responsibilities or am I more of a task-oriented person?

19. Do I have the training or education needed for career success?

20. If money was no object, what is the one thing I would really like to do?

After answering these self analysis questions plus others you can think of, ask yourself “why?” at least three times for each question. This approach will provide an even deeper insight as to why you think and feel the way you do about yourself. Your objective is to develop as clear a picture of who you think you are so you can then become more in tune with your desires, dreams, aspirations and your possible personal and career options. The next step is to take actions to become who you want to be.


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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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