Life unfolds regardless

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack

- Sun Tzu -

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Several weeks ago a close friend and I had a chat about employment. His daughter, who currently works in hospitality, wants to make some changes with a view to moving towards a more secure career path and one that puts her skills and attributes to better use. She has some low-level qualifications in hospitality however would like to move into management and potentially event planning.

My friend mentioned her declining sense of direction and motivation which, I think, comes from her disappointment that the process isn't going quickly enough. He hoped I had some words of wisdom for him to pass on to her. I suggested a big stick.

We discussed various things and I spoke about some elements I've applied in my life, concepts and attitudes, thoughts, and actions, that have helped me along the career path and up the chain of command so to speak. He asked that I summarise the key points so he could relay them to his daughter, and I was more than happy to do so.

Below are those points and, whilst there's many other elements that need to combine to move one forward in the desired direction and in a timely manner, I think they are a good foundation on which to build. Keep in mind, I'm relating these basically as I told my friend without much change. I'm sure, given enough time I could come up with much more in-depth points however when put on the spot that day this is [basically] what I said.

Get out there

There are a few different elements to this point. It's about seeking new experiences, learning new skills, and meeting new people. The purpose of this is to expand one's paradigm and network, to get one thinking in new and different directions and to seek challenges that one may not typically look for or take on.

It's in this way opportunities can reveal themselves, directly through a new contact, or indirectly through a new thought process in one's own mind. Activity creates opportunity I suppose I mean, although one must be mindful of undertaking the right activity, you know, lean on the positive and away from the negative.

Another element of this point is the benefit of getting outside of one's comfort zone. This is critical in my opinion. It's all good and well to stay safely within the boundaries we, or others, have set or established, however if one wants to discover something new, exciting, or fulfilling one must leave the harbour, set sail and catch the trade winds to new horizons. Staying safely moored at the wharf may avoid the risk of rough seas sure, but it'll negate the opportunity to find the treasure also.

Select a direction and move

I'm an advocate of goal setting; I don't mean a few loose ideas about what one may like to do, or hope to do, I mean goals that are realistic, focused, measurable, and trackable, time-limited and written.

That's direction and in one's pursuit of a desired job, or simply to it's essential. Having the goals written, reading them every day (three to four times) keeps them front of mind, more real, and will keep a person moving in the right direction. Of course, goals need plans so have one several of those too; a goal without a plan is simply a dream.

The measurable and trackable aspect is about ticking boxes. It's important to evaluate how one's plan is unfolding and to have check-measures in there, mini goals to attain, which allows one to tick boxes along the way .that feels good, it's an achievement or small reward, and will help keep motivation and energy levels in the right place.

Of course, as one moves, one builds momentum; it's incredibly important to put in the work to keep that momentum up. One may not always head arrow-straight towards one's goals, but with goals to aim at, plans to facilitate the process and check-measures to keep one moving in the right general direction, one's energy will be better spent. I like the term, massive action which means to work hard, show ownership, responsibility and determination. It's massive action [in the right areas] that get's things done. Doing nothing, does nothing.

Mindset

I don't think I need to preface the word mindset with the word positive because a person willing to get out there with set goals and plans knows one must already have a positive mindset. A negative mindset will undermine progression and drive, eat away at it like a cancer and destroy the right thoughts and attitudes from the inside out. That's not a good thing.

I like the word, WHY, which is a question one needs to ask in the case of wanting to achieve something.

WHY? What is the reason for achieving that thing. What will success mean, look like, feel like? They're important questions. If one can see and feel it, know the reason for desiring it, one is more likely to be passionate about the plan and goals and that, in my humble opinion, will [can] mean a person is more likely to remain optimistic, on track and on course no matter how difficult.

I don't believe a person can achieve anything they set their mind to; I think it's a ridiculous phrase. What if I wanted to be unicorn? Nope, it's not going to happen no matter how I try.

However, a person can achieve the realistic and focused goals they set for themselves provided they have strategised plans and the correct attitudes, mindset and actions to carry them towards those goals...And the ability to pivot if required, because sometimes goals change.

The mind is a powerful thing and is a massive factor when it comes to a person's success in pretty much anything; it's the platform everything else is built upon. Of course, a mind focused on negativity can suck one down like quicksand also. A poor mindset will destroy motivation, passion and optimism and those things will halt progress; indeed, it will see it backslide and spiral downwards.

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My friend and I discussed these concepts, and others, in respect of his daughter and our own lives and careers also. We worked together a long time ago and all three of these elements were critical factors in one way or another. Overcoming challenges, focusing on objectives and the right mental attitude were not convenient catch-words and phrases, they were a way of life. Moving forward we carried these things into the rest of our lives and deploy them still. It's funny that he asked me about it really, he knows this stuff but we all need a reminder sometimes, a nudge in the right direction, and that's what I gave him.

The world is a different place when compared to when I was my friend's daughter's age. Vastly different in fact. Having said that, I believe these concepts are still relevant. Sure, so many people have the expectation ethos and figure that everything will come to them simply because they exist, or they complain hard enough but, in truth, that's not the case.

People have to work for what they have or want, apply effort, fail, re-evaluate and try again...Success is measured differently by us all, what matters is that we keep driving at it. That means in real life when looking for a job change, our relationships, personal goals and yes, even on Hive.

We can never be certain how life will unfold; it comes with good times and bad. Sometimes we're passengers and sometimes we play a more active role. No matter which, life unfolds regardless. It's best to help guide it as best we can I think, to drive it in the directions we wish it to go, or, as I say in my post-signature, design and create it.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

- Winston Churchill -