Monday, July 19, 2010

40’s – 50’s 60’s: Lost Your Passion? In the “fog”? …..

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending”. – Maria Robinson

Last week’s blog generated a number of emails and phone calls (thank you!) from those who didn’t want to comment online, but wanted advice and help and someone to listen. I understand – sometimes bearing your soul online just doesn’t work.

I heard from those who are in what I call, the “fog”. They know they need a new direction in their life and career, but they are caught up in the “stuff” of life that creates a fog and clouds forward thinking direction. This becomes especially true after a number of years in one career or job – or when considering recareering for the future as you mature (that means get older) into your 40’s – 50’s – 60’s. I really doesn’t matter where you came from, or what you did or the industry you were in --- the fog affects all at some point. If I am describing you, don’t feel bad – you are in the 70-80% of boomers or second-career population who feel the same way.

The first step is accepting that you need a change …
Here is the good news: There are opportunities – great opportunities out there – for those who accept that it is okay to change what they have been doing and follow their calling or passion. The sad fact is – many just do not accept the change. That’s where some “coaching” or in other words, a swift kick in the rear end helps. Left to our own devices, we would do the same old – same old, over and over again until some radical defining moment event hits you square in the face.

Don’t let pride get in the way …
This past week, talked to two people who knew they needed help in finding their direction. However, they were disappointed (one even mad) at themselves because they couldn’t figure this out on their own. One, a very successful person in his own company, told me he couldn’t sleep at night well because his ability to determine his next direction (or Next-Act – could not resist) kept his mind working when he should have been resting. It is okay not to know – but not okay to let that situation continue.

Better not to get hit square – take charge …
Am I describing where you are and what you are feeling? If so, high time to take charge – take the controls and begin steering. It will be a relief knowing that you have made the decision to change and then took action to begin that path out of the fog and on to what you really want to do – on your terms.

Take the First Step …

1. Accept that change is good.
2. Commit to being successful – on your terms.
3. Set your goals – and don’t let anyone get in your way!

Make today the start of a new ending and chapter. Grow and excel – only you can do this for yourself!

And thank you for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

1 comment:

  1. My suggestion is - in the current economic slump - if you've got a job that pays the bills, hang on to it for dear life until you've got a better vine to grab hold of. It's tough out there!

    Hey!

    I've entered a contest to win a walk-on role on that retro-licious TV show, "Mad Men".

    If you wouldn't mind taking a couple of seconds to vote for me, go to my blog, or copy and paste the following link which goes right to my picture:

    http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/EZ3MBH

    Thanks a bunch!

    ReplyDelete