‘Careers Planning’ as it stands doesn’t sound all that much fun.
I’d say that’s because it contains 2 words that don’t tend to excite people - perhaps because both words evoke dull feelings to most people.
It’s therefore unfortunately quite a misleading term and it could be this that is partly to blame for turning people away from it. In my opinion, the term should be translated to “creating your perfect lifestyle” or “designing your life”. Because really, that’s what it is.
Now who out there would say that designing their life is boring?? Someone who’s not doing it right. That’s who.
It’s what you make of it. If you design an exciting or enjoyable life, then you’re going to love ‘careers planning‘!
The definition of career planning in BusinessDictionary.com is:
Structured exercise undertaken to identify one’s objectives, marketable skills, strengths, and weaknesses, etc., as a part of one’s career management.
Again, a bit boring that. But it does highlight some information we may need to think about.
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Here’s what you should begin to do (note - this is not an exercise yet! I’m just giving you an overview - don’t start answering these questions yet):
Start with the end in mind, and determine what lifestyle you’d like to live. What would you like to spend your time doing, where, when, with whom, what value would you like to provide other people in exchange for money, satisfaction and respect from others? What would you like to spend your time doing outside of ‘work’? These are all important questions, and I don’t suggest you answer them just yet, because the real careers planning process goes much deeper than this.
For now, just please keep in mind that I came across the idea once that everyone, that’s you included, can do certain things (or learn to do them) that they really enjoy doing and that add value to other people out there. Some of those people can’t so easily do what it is that you can do. Think about it. And therefore they are perhaps inclined to pay you money so that you can do it for them.
So, once you identify what it is that you can do that you really enjoy doing, and then work out how you can reach the people who would pay for it (whether they are a large organisation who needs your help, a smaller business, or individuals) and once you know how to effectively deliver that value to them (ie. get the job done!) you’ll find yourself earning a living much more easily and more enjoyably.
I don’t want to sound all corny but I can guarantee that when this happens, your life will improve significantly.
So that’s what this site is all about.
Bookmark it as it’s changing fast, and tell your friends about it. And hang on tight because you won’t want to miss a trick.
I’ve been through all of this myself and I’m now working on a number or projects and businesses of my own, on my own terms, in my own time, answering to no one, and doing much of my work in cafes or even on the beach! Follow the strategic process I’ll offer you over time and you’ll be living the lifestyle you want to. That’s my goal. And it should also be yours.
Look out for the next update (subscribe to the RSS feed). And don’t forget to send this on to your friends and help pull them from the wrong career into the right one!