Lots of articles on importance of continually reinventing ourselves. I always found those articles difficult. They told e what to do…kind of. But they always seemed to start in the middle.
Let’s try to fix that. We’ve discussed reinvention with thousands of candidates over the years.
We start with 4 questions?
If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Where in the world would you like to live.
What lifestyle would you live?
What salary do you need for that lifestyle?
We ask candidates to write their answers down. Initially it seems hard. We’ve all thought about these questions…but rarely with intent to do anything. Don’t make it hard. Do it in 5 minutes. Your can always change it.
Fun to see what you really want from life written down.
Now what?
Time for a skills inventory.
What are the three things in work you do best? What skills do they need?
What 3 things you do in job that you are not good at? What skills do they take?
What 3 things in past jobs do you have to make yourself do? Skills needed.
You now have list of skills you are good at and like to do. And those you don’t care for.
About this stage, candidates are starting to complain. “This is hard. I want an easy answer. Why do I have to think?”
Our answer: What is the salary you want, worth to you? You have 2 choices.
1. Take charge of your life and your career. Make it happen. Or
2. Buy lottery tickets every week.
You don’t need a college education. Won’t hurt, but not requirement.
Just read about 14 year old kid. He came up with new way to irrigate seedlings in area with very little rainfall and lack of irrigation. We was at home. Noticed some pipes on house sweating. Taking moisture from the air. His thought. Why can’t we do this intentionally? Got few pipes and started experimenting. Now he has won many national and world environmental awards.
Just by paying attention to things around him. We many not have his powers of observation. Nor be able to come up with solution like he did.
My point. He did not need degree. Just common sense. Quit making excuses. It’s up to you. JUST DO IT. Go back to your original answers to 4 questions and 3 key skill analysis.
They are your key.
Back to our experience with candidates over the decades. Many started out at entry level. Now they are Presidents of Management companies or their own companies. Many Chefs now own their own restaurants or successful consulting companies.
We all have untapped talents. Explore them. Elon Musk has had many things that didn’t work. Steve Jobs was fired from his own company. Neither of them let a setback define them. Ranch kids have all been thrown from horses. We all know what they do.
Why not you?
Three Things You Can Start Today and Finish in 5 days. Spending only 15 minutes
Spend 15 minutes for 5 days dreaming. About your new life.
What conclusions do you come up with.
Write down your answers and send them to me. I will personally respond to help identify what you can do next.
Look forward to working on goal setting with you.
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Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
