The old formula of getting excellent grades at good schools and attending a top university has been turned on. What worked yesterday might not work for you today or tomorrow.
Things are changing faster than expected and won't slow down anytime soon. I'm not saying you must jump onto the fast bandwagon. What I'm saying is to be better prepared for the future.
It's no wonder that many feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate these uncertain times. Imagine driving to an unknown destination and you've relied on Sat Nav to help guide you, only to find it didn't take you to the right place. That's what's happening to many people these days.
Old School Is Over
I see so many talented and competent people struggling to manage their careers. Why? They're feeling the heat under the collar because the only constant in today's fast-paced world of work is change and uncertainty. The fear associated with uncertainty is holding many back because they're still using the old formula to excel. It doesn't work anymore.
Now's Not The Time To Be Average
Look around you. What do you see? I see a lot of fear in people because of the uncertainty on all fronts: social, political, economic and technological. I believe change isn't bad because this is how we move forward. Sometimes, we might not like it, but there's a silver lining in change. However, to deal with change, one needs a mindset shift.
Meet Andy (not his real name)
I met Andy (not his real name) about ten years ago. I met up with him recently and was perplexed by what he said. He said he was in the middle lane of his career, even though he has the potential to be a high performer.
He recently closed a big deal with a prospective client. He's not a salesperson. The deal highlighted something fundamental — Andy is capable of much more, yet he tolerates his predicament and continues with a 'wait and see' approach.
I believe it's the wrong approach. I'm not coaching him, so I didn't offer him any insights. I think it's essential for anyone, especially Andy, to jump into the driving seat of their growth and development. No one will come and rescue you, no fairy godmother, parents, family or friends. Only you can help yourself.
I have high hopes for Andy. Why? He's a talented, creative. If he's not excelling at work as fast as he likes, he could exponentially grow with his creative abilities. He could start by working on a side hustle, which I suggested he could consider. This could propel him to new heights, both personally and professionally. Will he rise to the challenge? Time will tell if he wants to aspire to bigger and better things.
Andy is an excellent example for others. You don't always have to be successful and in the fast lane daily. However, it pays to be in more control. How? Here are a few things you can do to help yourself.
Reinvent Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience
If you're not feeling challenged in your current role, look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects. This can help you develop your skills and show your value to the company. It can also help you feel more engaged and motivated at work.
Feeling undervalued at work can be a challenging experience, but it's important to remember that you have the power to improve your situation. By speaking up, focusing on your strengths, and building relationships, you can increase your sense of value and connection to your job.
Build A Side Hustle
Now, this is a clever one. While dealing with the day-to-day rubbish at work, why not focus your energy on something positive outside of it? Pick a new hobby, learn a language, or start that side hustle you've been mulling over.
I don't mean you have to be an influencer or a celebrity; it could mean turning side hustles into viable business/career opportunities. It's also an opportunity to learn relevant skills. Many have side hustles and have done very well out of them. We've seen plenty of successful stories of people turning side projects into successful projects.
It encourages you to explore different fields, industries, or areas of interest that you may have previously overlooked. It allows you to pursue passion projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or even a career change. This flexibility to pursue diverse interests keeps your professional journey stimulating and engaging, increasing the chances of finding new avenues for success and personal fulfilment.
Not only will this give you something to look forward to, but it'll also boost your skills and maybe even open new doors. Plus, it's a brilliant way to remind yourself that there's more to life than your toxic job.
Push the Experience Zone Weekly
This doesn't have to be work-related; it could be anything you enjoy doing. I am writing a blog in London and will pick a new place to visit and write about each week. Over time, I've noticed the difference it's made to my writing and overall mood and happiness.
Audit Your Circle
This is a big one because it matters to my inner and mental well-being. Have you noticed some people lift you, and some can zap your zing? We all know people in both camps. I prefer to surround myself with upbeat people and work on improving myself daily.
Parting Comments
I've been following Stephen Bartlett's Forbes behind-the-scenes documentary. One statement particularly stood out. 'The Bulldozer is coming for me, and it's coming for you. ' What did he mean by that? He means the pace of change will increase, especially as AI and other technologies get smarter. Should we be worried? No, but I hate to say it, he is right. He's not sugarcoating anything either, and neither is he scaremongering. Instead, he's just saying it as he sees it.
I hear you, especially when you say you're busy and have no time to spend developing yourself. However, no one is going to do it for you. As well as I do, you know that days turn into weeks and weeks into months, and another year passes. All good intentions then get waylaid.
I can't stress enough how important it is to avoid stagnating, especially during times of uncertainty. If you don't challenge the status quo, you might deal with curveballs when you least expect them.
Thank you for your attention.
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