This interesting TED Talk by Joseph Liu begins with the question, “what do you do?” in reshaping how you look at your career.
What are your feelings when you hear that question? Are you excited so you can share your answer with the world? Or do you worry about the prospect of someone asking it? The question can be an innocent one, a nice conversations starter. Or it could just as well be a judgement.
Joseph talks about 3 lessons he’s learned from his experiences that have helped him move from it being an uncomfortable question to one he now enjoys being asked.
The paradox of goals
Goals can be great in that they can set our intentions and help provide direction and purpose. But equally, they can be quite limiting. Closing our minds to other possibilities that don’t fall within that narrow focus on the goal set.
Great discoveries often come from unexpected places. So having an open mindset to take advantage of life’s detours could provide endless opportunities.
The stubborn power of investment
When we are fully invested in something, whether it be financially or time spent, it can be extremely difficult to move on from it. This is where there is tension between legacy and opportunity.
Research has shown that we far prefer to avoid a loss rather than the potential for gain. As a result, reshaping how you look at your career can be a challenge if we feel better the devil you know than the one you don’t.
The upside of chaos
Most of us get comfort in order and clarity. But with chaos comes opportunity. And opportunity creates growth by stepping outside of that comfort zone.
Chaos means many transitions. And transitions are slow and messy. But if it’s right for you, the rewards will come.
And that’s where Joseph shares some questions to think about in determining if it is actually time to move on.
- What keeps you here?
- What is it costing you?
- Is it worth it?
- What will you let goof to make room for something else?
As you consider these questions also keep in mind that career decisions are not for life.
Here is the full 17-minute TED talk on reshaping how you look at your career. Check it out.
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