CAREER DEVELOPMENT: How to Achieve Success

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Sitting at the kitchen table the other night, my wife asked me, “What is your favorite quotation?” Without hesitation I said; “Where ever you are, be there.” I went on to explain, that quotation was a life changer for me. Working in the go-go high-tech world for the past three decades, multi-tasking was the buzzword of many individuals. I too had been caught up the madness. I came to realize that most if not all people who claimed to be good at multi-tasking were if fact not very effective, lived unbalanced lives and appeared to be in a constant state of panic and/or stress.

When I began to “live in the moment” or be fully focused on my present situation or surroundings, I became more effective in whatever it was that I was doing in three distinct areas.

1. I began to think more clearly whether on or off the job.

2. I became fully focused on and enjoyed what I was doing.

3. My execution and completion rate became most often right on target.

When in a work situation I prioritize what is most important for the good of the organization, which in turn is good for my career. Whatever I am working on receives my full attention. I am fully immersed in the activity. I am able to see clearly, focus on what needs to be done and picture what it will look and feel like to execute the project or task on-time, and to the quality standards required for success.

When multi-tasking, clear thinking or clarity of purpose is very hard to accomplish. Thinking becomes muddled and distorted. Important details are missed, not communicated or forgotten. This results in doing things over, poor quality work or lost time and wasted effort. Clarity is one of the biggest casualties of multi-tasking. Without a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished or what is the specific desired end result, it is virtually impossible to achieve success.

What do the words “fully focused” really mean with regard to being there? Picture if you will a young couple out on a dinner date. If in love, they are leaning over the table, holding hands, eyes looking intently at each other, both listening to each others every word. They are fully focused! Picture an older couple out for dinner. He is reading a paper; she is reading a menu, neither is talking. They are not focused.

If you want to improve your relationships…Be there! When at work be attentive, listen carefully and be engaged with your colleagues. When on the golf course enjoy the company of your friends and soak in the experience of the game and your surroundings. When at the dinner table enjoy the meal and have good conversations with your spouse and/or family members and friends. When on vacation, be there, not back at the office or thinking of things that you possibly should be doing at home.

Habitual routines and multi-tasking may make you feel busy, but they will not provide the structure both on and off the job that will make you lead a balanced and successful life. Success in any area of your life requires clarity, focus and execution. Success is all about doing the right things, at the right time, in the right manner… and for the right reason.

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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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