So if you don't know I currently work for University of Phoenix. I have the position of Military Doctoral Enrollment Advisor. Yesterday during a brief coaching/practice session with my manager I had made a comment to him that not only got him thinking, but also myself. To get these potential students to think why they are wanting to become a doctor I ask a couple specific questions. What do you want to be known for and what would you like to see changed or upgraded in the current industry or position you are in or see yourself going into? After I mentioned these questions to my manager it stopped him and he said "those are powerful questions." He is absolutely right!
Validation of ones goals, aspiration, dreams, and what they want to be known for is powerful. It's like a drug. Thinking about what someone will say once I have passed on from this life can be important. Everyone may have different levels unto which this may be true. I speculate some may want to be known as a great husband, father, friend, co-worker, etc. I want those things too, but what from a professional standpoint do I want to he know for?
I have the next few days off of work to not only relax, but to ponder my future. I finished my MBA, but now what? A lot of companies I'm applying for state I don't have enough experience or "after consideration we have decided to go with other candidates that better fit the position specifications" (Okay so I'm lumping them all together, but I think you get my point). My mind goes back and asks the question again....what do I want to be known for?
I've been in sales, marketing, and general business organizations since I was in high school. I have worked in small companies with one owner to large conglomerate organizations. No matter where I've worked I have always wanted to start my own company. I have seen how companies are run. I see the good they do and the mistakes they make. After I graduated with my undergrad from Arizona State and started working for Saxon Mortgage (now out of business), as an Account Executive I pretty much was self employed. I worked for them but I made my own hours and basically ran my own business. I miss it. Is that what I want to be known for? Why am I not doing it?
These few days off are for me to work on my business plan(s)...Yes, I have a couple ideas running around my head and they're good ideas. Then why has it been years since I have revisted or worked on them? Am I scared? What am I afraid of?
During my MBA, I had a focus of small business management. My last class helped me to get a small business plan down on paper. This class out of all the MBA classes was exciting and I thoughorly enjoyed it. I understand again....this is my professional passion! I want to start and run my own business. The graduate level education has helped me to see what I ultimately want do in my professional career. Better yet, what I want to be known for.
The avenue of my mindset must be cognizant of this goal, dream, and aspiration. I cannot let fear of failure or even fear of success be my ultimate demise. It can enabler for me to be cautious during this journey but recognizing these things are just part of the ride....this journey called life.
An old friend mentioned to me that a person should not speak of ones successes rather have it be from an outside source. Basically, I should not talk about what I am going to do, but that I should just do it and let others mention it. My goal with this blog is to help others think about what they want to do with their lives. I know for me I want to be successful, happy, and enjoy what life brings to me both personally and professionally. I hope the same holds true for you. Live your life, its the only one we have!
R.P.
