6 lessons that led me to a dream career
I used to work at a ‘blah’ job.
It was ok, some parts weren’t bad… I liked my colleagues and had a great title and paycheck.
And my friends told me I was successful.
They also said that given the state of the economy I should feel lucky.
I knew I was lucky, but I also couldn’t kick the feeling I was meant for more.
Anyway, I did the menial, mind-numbing tasks.
I tried to stay optimistic that eventually I’d get promoted and have the opportunity for more interesting work – like high-level events and travel.
But meanwhile, I was sitting at my desk, doing aaaall the tasks no one else wanted to do.
And my personal life was suffering because by the end of the day I was so tired and drained I didn’t feel like being a sociable human.
The job was paying my bills, but at what cost? My energy, attention – and most of all – time. That I will never get back.
I regret those years because had I gotten myself out sooner I would be way further ahead now.
One day, I decided – enough.
I take out a piece of paper and start scribbling like a madwoman.
It’s one of those rare moments where you feel like someone or something else has taken over your body and is just writing for you.
It’s like some higher power wants to tell me something.
So I don’t think – I just write.
Then I write some more. And yet more after that.
I look down at the paper and find I’ve created a tactical action plan.
It’s nothing like the traditional goal setting stuff, or any other plan I’d seen before.
To this day I don’t really understand where it came from.
But it changed everything for me – and if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief – can do the same for you too.
I didn’t know it back then, but…
This later became my Hypothesis System
The blueprint for every person I coached in the future to find their dream job.
I’ve gone from trapped and unfulfilled to working in over 9 countries with the UN, getting promoted to manager, owning a business and becoming an investor.
I’m finally living life on my terms. Spending time with family and friends while getting paid what I’m worth.
I wanted to take a moment and write down the lessons I learned from the whole experience. So here goes:
1- Aim higher:
Don’t just try to “get a new job”.
Aim to be fulfilled. Aim to be paid outrageously well.
Don’t put limits on what you can achieve.
2- Pay attention to how you brand yourself.
The opportunities you get will match your reputation. If you’re being treated like a minion it’s because that’s your perceived value.
No one is going to take pity on you and give you your big break. You need to take charge of your path and develop a strong personal brand.
Your personal brand is the unique combination of your skills, experiences, and personality that makes you who you are.
3-Have a mission-driven career.
Having an ultimate “why” beyond the paycheck gives you a massive advantage. If you’re still just looking for an okay job with a good enough paycheck it’s really hard to compete against other candidates who have figured out their mission and are winning in today’s world.
4- Network and build connections.
For successful professionals, networking isn’t just a tactic, it’s a way of life. Learn to love networking instead of forcing yourself to do it out of necessity when you need a new job.
The better connections you have, the higher-level opportunities you’ll have delivered to your inbox – without even having to apply for them.
5- Believe in yourself before anyone else believes in you.
No matter how hard you try, you won’t get anyone else to value you until you value yourself. Believe in your skills, your talents, and your dreams. Believe that you can do anything you set your mind to and make it happen.
Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to pursue your passions.
The bonus: This new self-belief is also contagious and will inspire everyone around you to go for their dreams as well!
6-Showcase your unique value proposition.
It’s so competitive out there, I’ve learned trying to compete is pointless. I’d rather remove myself from the competition completely and stand out by not being anything like anyone else.
Submitting the typical CV and cover letter littered with buzzwords leaves you stuck in the snakepit. Fast-track yourself by being so unique they want YOU and only you – they don’t even look at other candidates.
These six lessons have been the keys to landing high-paid jobs I’ve loved so much I would have seriously done them for free!
It’s never too late to take control of your career and live the life you’re meant for. All it takes is undoing some of the old beliefs society has fed you and the willingness to follow an action plan.
So get out there, and start achieving the success you deserve!
If you’re done with ‘blah’ and want to know how to get started landing high-paid work you love in the new economy, join my free class at AccelerateYourAmbitions.com.