3 Magic Questions to find Career Clarity
Got Career Clarity?
In my coaching business, I talk with lots of people who are searching for career clarity. I have a clarity tool that I begin my initial coaching sessions with and here are a few sample answers to the question: What are the top challenges that you face in your business or career?
- Direction & getting started on “Act 2” of my life.
- I don’t have the same clarity in my business as I did when I started it because things changed dramatically in my life and this necessitates refocusing my business for me to be happy.
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Knowing 100% that I’m making the right choice to transition careers
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Figuring out what certification program to start, figuring out what I want it to look like as well as how to incorporate public speaking with whatever I end up doing.
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Finding something enjoyable that pays well. All my jobs pay just enough to survive, but nothing above that.
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I don’t know where to start my new career search because I’m still struggling with what to do next. I’m so sure that retail is what I do not want to do but I have so many things that interest me.
Clarity is important. When we don’t have career clarity, we have a decision that is an open loop. Like the hamster on the wheel with no end, it’s energy draining. Our brain keeps asking the same question over and over but never getting an answer. So… just how do you develop career clarity?
Three magic questions for career clarity
To determine clarity in your career direction there are three basic questions to ask yourself…
What is my skill set?
While you can certainly learn a lot of different skills, careers are definitely easier if you pick something that you have at least an inclination or ability to do. It’s hard to be a great counselor or coach if you aren’t a good listener and aren’t interested in people and their stories. It’s hard to be the next Michael Phelps if you’ve tried swimming and it’s not your thing. Becoming an accountant when working with numbers feels like a foreign language is going to be difficult. I’m not saying it can’t be done. If for some reason you are passionate about swimming but not very good at it, you can definitely develop the necessary skill. However, too many people venture into a career because they read somewhere that there are a lot of job openings in the field or you can make a lot of money doing it, only to find that they don’t have the necessary skill set.
What is my passion or area of interest?
A good career match is something that answers the why question in a meaningful way. Why are you a coach? Because you are passionate about helping people change their lives in a positive way. Why are you an accountant? Because you love helping people take control of their money and develop systems for maximizing their income. Can you do a job that you aren’t passionate about? Of course. But you will probably eventually burnout. Passion helps overcome the inevitable hurdles, bumps and even setbacks found in any career.
Is it profitable?
We all have things we are passionate about and good at that aren’t ever going to make us any money. I love hiking and paddle boarding but turning those hobbies into a profitable business is probably not going to happen for me. Again, I’m not saying it’s not possible. I could start selling paddle boards or giving lessons. I could become a hiking guide (if only I had a better sense of direction…) but I think you can see what I mean. There are some things that are better to remain hobbies. You have to realistically decide if the skill and passion you have is something that others would be willing to invest in.
To move forward on a career path, it’s essential that we get clear on what we’re all about. It’s the first step to setting a goal, creating an action plan and moving forward. Lack of clarity results in confusion and overwhelm. Clarity creates focus and renewed energy.
Download a copy of my newest eBook: Dream Achieving: Learning to Fly. It is packed with encouraging and inspiring ways to follow your calling and live it out with passion and purpose. You can find here.
Wow! Lynne’s expertise in personality styles, mindset and priority management is a powerful combination. The interactive and personalized format was engaging and gave me tools I can use and actions I can take right away. I am able to more clearly articulate what my business is (What do you do?) and who it serves (Who is your ideal client?), and I have come away with a system for building my business (How do I do it?) ~Erin Shaw
