When A Perfect Storm Threatens My Career Dreams, I Use This G.P.S.

I didn't always have big, crazy career dreams.

My goals used to be pretty traditional. Then, like most people who become obsessed with solving a huge problem, I suddenly found myself determined to achieve the impossible. (If you want to know my story, I explain it here.)

I do consider myself lucky.

I'm passionate about the problem I'm focused on solving. I enjoy my work. More than most people. Yet, that doesn't stop me from having days (more than a few), when I honestly consider giving up.

Things that make me go, "Uggg."

Sometimes, a perfect storm of negativity and roadblocks can make me lose my way. Days when one or more of the following happen:

  • Unhappy people take their anger out on me.
  • Technology doesn't work the way it should.
  • Things cost more money than they were supposed to.
  • I make some mistakes that could have been avoided.
  • I receive disappointing news.
  • I'm forced to give disappointing news.
  • I forget something important.
  • Life throws me curve balls I don't have time for.
  • A large amount of work gets dumped on me unexpectedly.
  • My values and beliefs get tested.
  • People I work hard to help take me for granted, are disrespectful, or ungrateful.

Those days are the hardest. They make me want to up and quit on the spot. I want to scream, "Why am I bothering?" and walk out the door for good.

On those days, I need to use G.P.S.

In my experience, my own form of G.P.S. the only thing that gets me back on track.

Gratitude - Whenever I find myself overwhelmed by a negative mindset, I stop what I'm doing and focus on listing everything I'm grateful for. I was taught this trick years ago. Over time, I have conditioned myself to be able to get into "gratitude-mode" quite efficiently. I observe everything around me and I don't stop until I run out of things for my list. It forces me to re-focus my thoughts on the positive. I find my mood immediately improves when I do this.

Perspective - After a few minutes of reminding myself why I am one of the luckiest people I know, I attack the real problem: a warped perspective on my situation. I list all the things bothering me and ask, "Am I making this a bigger deal than it should be?" The true test is whether I think I'd still be mad about it in two weeks. I usually realize I'm getting wound up prematurely. It's easy to make mis-assumptions when I'm upset. So, I focus on testing those assumptions to bring myself back to a more reasonable perspective. I'm also able to more calmly focus on what information and resources I need to get my situation back on track.

Solitude - If I'm still in a funk after doing the above, I know I need some quality alone time. I don't think it's a coincidence that my worst days are usually after a long stretch of high-stress situations where everyone needs something from me and I haven't had a moment to myself. They also usually coincide with late nights, early mornings, no exercise, and a shortage of quality sleep. Giving myself some downtime so I can power "off" from the intensity of my big career goals is the only way I can refuel myself physically and mentally. Perusing Pinterest, making my favorite meal (email me and I'll give you the recipe), taking a nap, watching House of Cards on the treadmill, etc. Simple pleasures that make me feel indulgent with my time are usually all I need to get back on track. They are the rewards I give myself for working so hard.

Without G.P.S., I'd have quit the dream a long time ago.

Having a systematic process I can use to battle the down days has been crucial. Without it, I'm certain I would have given up. All the self-confidence and G.R.I.T. (Guts, Resilience, Innovation, and Tenacity) in the world can't keep me from getting caught up in the occasional perfect storm of negativity. I need my own method for making it through.

What about you?

I'd love to hear how you cope when your career dreams are threatened. Please share them in the comments below!

If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.

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P.S. - Have we met yet? Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my post. I hope you'll choose to follow me. I write weekly on a variety of career development topics.

Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of the career advice site, CAREEREALISM, and currently run the career coaching program, CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like:


And, here's my book:

CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here!

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KALYANASUNDARAM SRINIVASAN

Freelance Consultant for Logistics, Warehousing and Distribution (Self-employed)

7y

Nicely said and I like GRIT

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Marilyn Brown

Team Coach and Facilitator at Peopletek Coaching l Leadership Development I Change Agent I Career Coaching l Public Speaker

7y

J.T. - Thanks for this very timely article. When I go into a funk, I usually step back and try to access what is out of synch in my life. I first check the physical side (sleep, nutrition, water,vitamins) to make sure I am doing the right things for my body. Then I use the Tony Robbins approach of stop and shift - go into a space of gratitude - because when you are thankful for what you have, it eliminates those negative thoughts.

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Synergy with a good partner is very strong.

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Jessi C.

Featured in Forbes! DM TO COLLAB! 🔑 PROFESSIONAL SALES & MARKETING + 👉🔑🤌🏻ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT *BRAND TO DISPENSARY* RECRUITMENT// STAFFING

7y

On point!

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