Change Your Future

Are you focused on the past or the potential your future holds?

Many people can’t let go of something that happened a long time ago. Maybe it was a conversation you had, or didn’t have. Maybe it was a project you should have taken, or one that you let pass by. Maybe it was something you said on an interview, or didn’t say.

Everyone has “something” in their career that they wish they could change. So, know that you are not alone. It’s not what happened that matters most now, but what you do going forward.

So, How Do You Let Go Of Your Past And Change Your Future? Follow These Four Steps Below:

1. Admit That Your Past Is Holding You Back

If you are angry or blaming someone, you are stuck. Being stuck means that you are not taking action. After a while, it doesn’t make a difference who was right or wrong. What counts is your career, and it’s up to you to move it forward. It’s ok to be upset about past mistakes. It’s ok to wish your career was in another place. Use that energy to create something different for the future.

2. Look At What Happened Objectively

Recall the incident. (Or, incidents.) Rather than pushing your memories away, let them float to the surface. Assess whether what happened to you is a one time event or a recurring theme. Look for patterns, your role in causing them, rather than what keeps “happening” to you. Your goal is to see your past from a new perspective. Once you know what the problem is, then you can fix it.

3. Forgive Yourself

If someone told your “story” to you, what would you say? How would you react? You would probably be easy on the storyteller, while you are most likely being hard on yourself. Recognize that you are human and humans make mistakes. Gain strength from your newfound knowledge. You are a better person because of what you have found out about yourself. It’s important to let go of what happened. The past does not determine your future, you do. You can’t change the past, but you can change the path you are on now. Focus on your accomplishments and what you do right. Get ready for the future. Leave the past where it belongs; behind you.

4. Take Action

If your past no longer defines you, then you can live satisfied in the present, while planning for the next steps in your career that inspire you. Ask yourself, where you want your career to be one year from now. Where do you want to be in three years, five years, or more? Write down the steps you will take to get yourself there. (The more specific the better.) Make a plan and put specific milestones into your calendar. The good news is the weight will be lifted. You will be too engrossed with your present goals to be held back from the past anymore. Your momentum will begin to soar and you’ll have the energy to take your career to new heights.

So what do you say, you only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love!

Comments

[Francois]

This is really very nice blog and this article is too good. I am a big fan of this blog such a nice articles. If you want to change your future then some good opportunities are waiting for you at http://www.career-descriptions.co.uk

[Los Angeles Career Coach]

Great post. Accountability is the only way to stay on track. Resolutions are expected to be broken, so no accountability. Keep up the great work!

[Alan]

Deborah, congratulations on being rated #50 on our list of the best Career Blogs for HR.

You'll find the complete write up at:

http://www.successinhr.com/blog/surpass-your-dreams

Best,
Alan Collins
SuccessInHR.com/blog

[Resume Writer]

At the start of the new year, one practice that most of us engage in is making resolutions. The start of a new year is usually a time for reflection in the hopes of making those changes to the future as Ms. Brown-Volkman eluded to in the blog entry above.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, I addressed the fact that resolutions are usually broken and that once this happens, we have a tendency to treat this slip as though an opportunity is lost. My recommendation to my readers is that they're most important resolution should be to GET BACK ON THE HORSE if and when the slip-up comes.

We normally treat resolutions as one-shot promises that shatter if we make a mistake. Resolutions often involve trying to break lifelong habits that will not go without a fight. Persistence has always been the key to success and it is no different with resolutions. Get knocked down ... get back up again.

Also, as a professional resume writer, I believe that keeping one's resume up to date is also an important thing to do for the new year. Job security no longer exists and having your resume ready to go can be one less thing to worry about if your job is taken from under you suddenly.

The two thinks one should always have updated: passport and resume.

Once again, excellent (and timely) blog entry, Ms. Ms. Brown-Volkman. Have a great New Year, everyone!!!

William Mitchell, CPRW
The Resume Clinic
http://www.theresumeclinic.com