Most of us start off the new year with goals, resolutions, and great plans. Now that we are a few weeks in to 2024, the commitment to these needed changes is likely lost in the daily demands and distractions. The focus required for a new habit to form has waned. What else is missing to get this done?
Truth be told, the goal is probably still a good one in almost every case. Unfortunately, it is easy to divertfrom needed focus and “stay the path”. The energy has already been reallocated to something else in life, especially if the plan for a job change was “fuzzy” or the commitment was shaky. If kept unchecked, daily demands distract us and we waver. Regret, and even resignation can seep in. Then we feel stuck. You may wonder if you can get a new job or refurbish the one you have. You say to yourself, “Something has to change.” That is correct. But we may have to admit that we just want the change without the effort in many cases…. and that is not feasible. So, ask yourself what makes the desired outcome worth your effort.
This year, dabbling in a needed change isn’t good enough. You want a better work experience, and maybe a better culture (at least a decent attitude from the boss and folks around you). While we can’t change someone else, a personal attitude adjustment is possible. Attitude guides a sense of satisfaction in making the changes needed. After all, we spend most of our waking hours at our job. We want more than just a paycheck. Often the salary itself can feel like our worth. It’s not. We’ll tackle that topic in the next blog post.
So, why is it hard to make the changes needed to enjoy a job or acquire a new one? Change is inevitable at work even if we don’t guide the process. But it is possible to guide desired change by applying personal commitment to actions in a meaningful direction. It just takes clear direction and positive action. You can play the lottery, but it is very unlikely that that is the path to a better life. No one will just make the changes you need or want. There it is…. a better work life (or new job) is up to you.
Managing change takes commitment. Avoiding change does not. But the good news is that managing personal or professional goals creates momentum. Taking actionable steps toward the goal creates the energy once the change is chosen. Establishing a desired outcome facilitates a necessary commitment to change. Just determine that what is sought is worth the effort. Then the action plan will provide the GPS to keep you on target.
So, let’s start with the goal. Will I stay where I am and initiate an action plan with this employer, or do I need to find a new job with another employer? Perhaps I should start an organization of my own. In any case, the clearer the goal and the action plan, the better.