Seeking Direction – Don’t Look Out to the Market – Look Inward

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction” – Winston Churchill


I did a radio program this past week, which I do the first and third Tuesdays at 9:00 am on TALK 1300 (www.talk1300.com) with Paul Vandenburgh. I think I struck a nerve with the statement:

People call me and want to meet to talk about the market – job market that is – so they know here to direct their efforts for a career or job search. I sometimes shock them to a degree telling then to not look out for direction, but look inward instead.

I went on to explain what I have learned over 23 years of helping people find their career direction. What I have found, over and over again and proved by the science of career assessment, is that the true secret to finding one’s direction isn’t market based, it is based upon an inward look at key factors:

• Personality
• Interests
• Aptitude
• Temperament
• Reality
• … and of course passion – the driving force of success.

Understanding what motivates you (and what does not), knowing where your true interests, aptitude and temperament lie and having a full understanding of reality (reality = your life situation, finances, family, background, values, motivators et al) is what will help you find your way. Add passion – doing what you love, truly enjoy and find fulfillment in – and you have the direction you need, and the plan to go-to-market. Then, and only then should you begin your search and look at the market – armed with an understanding of what jobs or careers will meet your need and drive you to success.

Okay – if you think you want to repair typewriters , toasters or televisions, it will be a hard ride for sure!

Look inward. Do what you love. Do what fuels your passion. Do what aligns to do. And to hell with what the market it – make a smart opportunity 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