Expanding our mindset and tapping into the collective unconscious can help uncover aspirations and possibilities we never thought possible for our ideal career.
Defining our must-haves (minimums) and ideals for each element of our ideal career is crucial, as it provides the psychological freedom to dream and think more broadly, overcome mental barriers, and reveal meaningful answers.
Deep dives
The Importance of Dreaming Big
When defining our ideal career, it is crucial to allow ourselves to dream big and move beyond what we currently know or have experienced. By expanding our mindset and tapping into the collective unconscious, we can uncover aspirations and possibilities we never thought possible. The ideal career profile, consisting of seven elements such as contribution, flexibility, and growth, helps identify the minimums (deal breakers) and ideals for each element. Separating the minimums from the ideals is essential, as addressing the pressing needs first provides the psychological freedom to dream and think more broadly. Coaching and discussing with others can also help uncover deeper layers and specific desires that go beyond initial assumptions about work.
Digging Deep to Define Must-Haves and Ideals
Defining our must-haves (minimums) and ideals is a vital part of the process in creating an ideal career. It requires asking specific questions and peeling back layers to gain clarity. For example, when discussing flexibility and autonomy, it's essential to go beyond broad statements like 'I want a hybrid or remote role' and instead explore the specifics. This could involve delving into the desired level of flexibility, whether it's the ability to work from anywhere in the world or having set office days. The same level of specificity applies to other elements, such as identifying missions that resonate most and breaking down the context and root causes behind them. Continually questioning and getting specific helps overcome mental barriers and reveals meaningful answers.
The Power of Defining What You Want
The process of identifying what we truly want and desire from our career is crucial for finding fulfillment and satisfaction. By clearly defining our must-haves and ideals, we gain a competitive advantage and can better navigate job opportunities. This clarity enables us to negotiate and advocate for what aligns best with our vision. It is important to challenge societal norms and assumptions that may limit our thinking, allowing ourselves to create a vision that truly fits our lives. Although it may initially feel daunting or unrealistic, the feeling of impossibility signifies an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Taking responsibility for defining what we want contributes to personal happiness, productivity, and positive impact in the world.
Making an intentional career change isn't about compromising or settling, it's about figuring out what it would take for you to thrive in your work and then going after that ideal career! In this episode, Scott is joined by career coach Ben Fox to discuss the work they do with clients to help them think outside of what they’ve ever imagined, or thought possible, to define their ideal career. If you know you need to make a career change but feel stuck not knowing what your next role could be, this is a must-listen!
What you’ll learn
How to use the ideal career profile to define your career minimums and must-haves
Strategies to overcome mental barriers in the career change process
Practical insights into transforming your career by defining what you want