A 4 STEP PROCESS (AKA-D.E.C.A.)
Last month, we discussed how to determine what you have a passion for. You gave it some thought, answered some questions, and now you have 2 great ideas. NOW WHAT? You still need a plan to transition from your current, unfulfilling job to your new career. It isn't always smooth sailing making a career transition. It can seem frustrating and daunting. By following a process, like using a roadmap, you can better keep on track so you don't become lost or overwhelmed. In this issue we'll discuss D. & E. or steps 1 & 2 in more detail.
The process (discussed in last month's newsletter) to help you get clarity on what you are passionate about is as follows:
Step 1 (D)escribe what you want
What is it that you really want in a new career? You must get clear about what you want.
Congratulations if you’ve already done this or if you’ve narrowed down your choices and have 2! However, if you’re still not clear, keep doing this process until you are certain. In order to accomplish any goal and therefore get closer to your ideal career, the goal needs to be specific and measurable and it must create excitement/passion. The Human spirit does not like mediocrity so dream BIG. This can be a time consuming step but the clearer you get, the easier the other steps will be. Make it fun and let your imagination soar.
(Tip: review last month's article for questions to ask yourself to get clarity)
Before I choose life coaching as a career,I started out with a generalized goal/purpose for my life. It went something like this: I desire a career in which I can help other realize their true potential while allowing myself to have flexible hours and still make a good income. This was not very specific or measurable, although, I thought it was at the time. I floundered for awhile trying to decide what to do next.
As I floundered, and believe me I was frustrated, I began a few home businesses but the passion and excitement wasn't there. They were not successful. I finally came up with my own process to gain more clarity on what I really wanted to do for my career.
My generalized statement evolved as follows: I enjoy a career as a life coach where I support others to live to their fullest potential, while working 30 hours a week out of my home and making at least $60,000 a year.
Notice how this statement is specific and measurable and it created excitement for me as I had wanted to be in business for myself for at least 10 years and I finally found a career helping others that I was excited/passionate about.
Step 2 (E)xplore Your Options
This may sound like an oversimplification, however many fail to adequately look at their options and jump into something that they regret later.
(Note: I don't believe that anything is "a mistake or accident"; you can always learn from your mistakes/regrets; however,when you need to make a smoother career transition, it may be costly(financially, emotionally, etc) to jump into something too soon without adequate exploration.
When I was searching for my perfect fit career (before I found life coaching),I hastily jumped into a few businesses which didn't pan out. I wasted time, energy and some money. Mostly these hasty decisions affected my self esteem for a number of years. I effectively put the brakes on for the next five years by telling myself that I really wasn't unhappy in my "job" while each day I grew increasingly more dissatisfied. I let the dream of owning my own business lie dormant until my discontent grew so loud I could no longer ignore it.
If you've narrowed down your careers choices to 2 possible options now is the time to explore each one and to get your questions answered to determine which one you are better suited for. You will also want to find out if what you are deciding on is doable or not.
Research the field. There are many methods for doing this that are familiar to you. The internet and library are great places to start. Ask colleagues, friends or seek out people in the field and interview them. An excellent and classic resource is the revised website www.Jobhuntersbible.com and there are many others as well. Happy exploration!
The DECA process is one of the tools used with my clients to help them achieve their career goals. Stay tuned for next month's newsletter where you'll learn about the final 2 step process