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What pivotal moments or challenges did you encounter while pursuing your professional dreams, and what advice would you offer to someone striving to achieve similar aspirations ?
What pivotal moments or challenges did you encounter while pursuing your professional dreams, and what advice would you offer to someone striving to achieve similar aspirations ?
What balance of internal work (such as mindset, personal growth, resilience, etc.) and external work (such as skill-building, networking, opportunity-seeking, etc.) did you find most crucial in your journey towards realizing your dreams? Could you share specific examples or strategies that helped you navigate both aspects effectively?
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6 answers
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Nina’s Answer
Such a great question! I've made several pivots in my career over the past 10+ years, and I used to be very worried for my future and whether I was making the right decisions. My main piece of advice: experiment early & often, meaning: early in your career, try out as many hats as possible and anything you are remotely interested in, to test and learn more about.
Thanks Nina! Appreciate your insight. :)
Madeline
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Michele’s Answer
Great question, Madeline! Begin by making a list of things you are truly passionate about, things you love so much that you would do them even without getting paid. Pursue these interests, as they will never feel like work when they are driven by passion. Seek advice on what educational courses would help you excel in these areas.
Remember to be kind to yourself when you're just starting out. Allow yourself the room to make mistakes, pick yourself up, and try again on the path to success!
Remember to be kind to yourself when you're just starting out. Allow yourself the room to make mistakes, pick yourself up, and try again on the path to success!
Updated
Remy’s Answer
This is such a fantastic question, Madeline!
The one thing that has truly guided me is that my career has been a jungle gym - upward movement, lateral movement, etc - that has evolved as my career interests evolved. I started out my career working in non-profit development and now I'm an HR Business Partner for a global company. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to look for companies or organizations where you'll continue learning, be challenged and that they want to invest in YOU! While I did change functions and industries, I've found that the culture of an organization that aligned well with my values always meant that I was driving towards having an impact and that has led to a fulfilling career.
I would start by making a list of areas that you're passionate about and start having casual conversations with individuals in those areas. The more you learn then you'll start to hone in what will be the best area for you. Also, never forget that you can always continue to pivot your career as you needed. It's rare these days that people stay within the same industry for their entire career so you will have many options in your life!
The one thing that has truly guided me is that my career has been a jungle gym - upward movement, lateral movement, etc - that has evolved as my career interests evolved. I started out my career working in non-profit development and now I'm an HR Business Partner for a global company. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to look for companies or organizations where you'll continue learning, be challenged and that they want to invest in YOU! While I did change functions and industries, I've found that the culture of an organization that aligned well with my values always meant that I was driving towards having an impact and that has led to a fulfilling career.
I would start by making a list of areas that you're passionate about and start having casual conversations with individuals in those areas. The more you learn then you'll start to hone in what will be the best area for you. Also, never forget that you can always continue to pivot your career as you needed. It's rare these days that people stay within the same industry for their entire career so you will have many options in your life!
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Love this question. I became very discouraged at one point in my career because I wasn't getting promoted. I thought i was doing everything I was supposed to do and it wasn't enough. I got to a point where I didn't love how negative my viewpoint became.
It dawned on me that there were things I could control. I could go back to school &get my MBA. I could network and meet new people. I could ask to be promoted and if they said no, I could look for another job. I could also focus on treating others well and giving them the support I wish I had.
One I realized that I had control of things, I stopped focusing on things I couldn't control and started pouring my energy into things I could. That small mindset shift literally changed my life and career.
It dawned on me that there were things I could control. I could go back to school &get my MBA. I could network and meet new people. I could ask to be promoted and if they said no, I could look for another job. I could also focus on treating others well and giving them the support I wish I had.
One I realized that I had control of things, I stopped focusing on things I couldn't control and started pouring my energy into things I could. That small mindset shift literally changed my life and career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Madeline,
My moments of reflection, fast as quicksilver. When my uncle Michael died of a coronary at 38 years of age. Next his biochemistry professor supervisor supervisor from 15 years before arrives at our university to lecture. I relinquished mathematics and physics for biochemistry. I wanted to know what was killing the Greeks in my family. More relatives died, so I became a dietitian-nutritionist.
THE QUESTION POSED TO AI
Pivotal Moments and Challenges in Pursuing Professional Dreams:
In the pursuit of professional dreams, individuals often encounter various pivotal moments and challenges that shape their journey towards success. Some common challenges include:
Self-Doubt and Fear of Failure: Many aspiring professionals face self-doubt and fear of failure, which can hinder their progress and confidence in achieving their goals.
Lack of Resources: Limited access to resources such as funding, mentorship, or educational opportunities can pose significant challenges for individuals striving to realize their dreams.
Rejection and Setbacks: Facing rejection and setbacks is a common experience in any professional journey, and learning how to cope with these challenges is crucial for long-term success.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing personal life responsibilities with professional aspirations can be a significant challenge for many individuals, requiring careful time management and prioritization.
Competitive Environment: Navigating a competitive industry or field can present challenges in standing out and securing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
To overcome these challenges and achieve their professional dreams, individuals can consider the following advice:
Believe in Yourself: Cultivate a positive mindset, believe in your abilities, and stay resilient in the face of obstacles.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors or role models who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their own experiences.
Continuous Learning: Invest in skill-building, education, and personal development to stay relevant and competitive in your chosen field.
Networking: Build strong professional networks by connecting with peers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators to create opportunities for growth.
Embrace Failure: View failures as learning opportunities, embrace feedback constructively, and use setbacks as motivation to improve and grow.
Balance of Internal Work and External Work:
Achieving professional dreams often requires a balance of internal work (mindset, personal growth) and external work (skill-building, networking). Both aspects are crucial for success:
Internal Work: Developing a growth mindset, cultivating resilience, managing emotions effectively, setting clear goals, practicing self-care, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential internal aspects that contribute to success.
External Work: Building relevant skills through education or training programs, networking with industry professionals, seeking out new opportunities actively, staying updated on industry trends are vital external aspects that help individuals progress towards their goals effectively.
Specific Strategies:
Internal Work: Daily affirmations to boost confidence; mindfulness practices to enhance focus; seeking feedback for personal growth; journaling to reflect on progress.
External Work: Attending workshops or seminars to acquire new skills; joining professional organizations for networking; volunteering for relevant projects to gain experience; leveraging social media platforms for visibility.
By balancing both internal work (mindset) with external work (skills), individuals can navigate the complexities of pursuing their professional dreams more effectively.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
Entrepreneur
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
My moments of reflection, fast as quicksilver. When my uncle Michael died of a coronary at 38 years of age. Next his biochemistry professor supervisor supervisor from 15 years before arrives at our university to lecture. I relinquished mathematics and physics for biochemistry. I wanted to know what was killing the Greeks in my family. More relatives died, so I became a dietitian-nutritionist.
THE QUESTION POSED TO AI
Pivotal Moments and Challenges in Pursuing Professional Dreams:
In the pursuit of professional dreams, individuals often encounter various pivotal moments and challenges that shape their journey towards success. Some common challenges include:
Self-Doubt and Fear of Failure: Many aspiring professionals face self-doubt and fear of failure, which can hinder their progress and confidence in achieving their goals.
Lack of Resources: Limited access to resources such as funding, mentorship, or educational opportunities can pose significant challenges for individuals striving to realize their dreams.
Rejection and Setbacks: Facing rejection and setbacks is a common experience in any professional journey, and learning how to cope with these challenges is crucial for long-term success.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing personal life responsibilities with professional aspirations can be a significant challenge for many individuals, requiring careful time management and prioritization.
Competitive Environment: Navigating a competitive industry or field can present challenges in standing out and securing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
To overcome these challenges and achieve their professional dreams, individuals can consider the following advice:
Believe in Yourself: Cultivate a positive mindset, believe in your abilities, and stay resilient in the face of obstacles.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors or role models who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their own experiences.
Continuous Learning: Invest in skill-building, education, and personal development to stay relevant and competitive in your chosen field.
Networking: Build strong professional networks by connecting with peers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators to create opportunities for growth.
Embrace Failure: View failures as learning opportunities, embrace feedback constructively, and use setbacks as motivation to improve and grow.
Balance of Internal Work and External Work:
Achieving professional dreams often requires a balance of internal work (mindset, personal growth) and external work (skill-building, networking). Both aspects are crucial for success:
Internal Work: Developing a growth mindset, cultivating resilience, managing emotions effectively, setting clear goals, practicing self-care, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential internal aspects that contribute to success.
External Work: Building relevant skills through education or training programs, networking with industry professionals, seeking out new opportunities actively, staying updated on industry trends are vital external aspects that help individuals progress towards their goals effectively.
Specific Strategies:
Internal Work: Daily affirmations to boost confidence; mindfulness practices to enhance focus; seeking feedback for personal growth; journaling to reflect on progress.
External Work: Attending workshops or seminars to acquire new skills; joining professional organizations for networking; volunteering for relevant projects to gain experience; leveraging social media platforms for visibility.
By balancing both internal work (mindset) with external work (skills), individuals can navigate the complexities of pursuing their professional dreams more effectively.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
Entrepreneur
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Madeline! The first one that comes to mind is when I was making a decision to learn more about a topic, because I found it to be really interesting. I wasn't sure at all what I would be able to do with it long term and it was a bit "different" than the things my family had focused on doing/learning so they weren't immediately supportive. I am lucky that I had a friend who encouraged me to go for it, and I'm so glad I did as I am lucky as it has led me into the work that I'm doing today, which I truly love. Sometimes it works out this way, and perhaps sometimes it won't but if you can find an opportunity to find the intersection of something you are truly passionate about and a skill that could advance your career - it is a huge win! My advice would be to remain curious, and open - just as you clearly are from posting this question! Be your own guide, supported by many others that you can meet and learn about. Best of luck!
Thank you Sarah <3
Madeline