I love my job. I know that's kind of a big deal and I'm so grateful to God for him allowing me to be in the field I want to be in, doing what I want to do, supported by an incredible staff, doing amazing things just 4 months after graduating college.
But nothing is perfect. That's the problem of living in a fallen world. Whether you work in an amazing place or not, you will run into problems. One in particular that I have experienced is walking into a new position that was previously held by an all-star. People who have come before you and cast a long shadow can be very intimidating. Whether they are still employed there and in a different position or have moved on completely, you have to compensate for the loss.
The few times this has happened to me my initial reaction was to learn what they did and do it exactly the same therefore, the team would get the same results. The problem with this approach is that it only takes into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the other person. Not only will the team lose out on the potential you have to build and grow in your position, but also there's a good chance you'll fall short of filling the legendary shoes of those before you.
If there's anything I've learned from following legends is that I need to have the confidence to be myself and cast my own shadow. You do too! If you don't know your strengths and weaknesses by your first entry-level job, 1) your college didn't do much for you did it? and 2) you have to make that a priority. Take a test! There are a billion free strength tests online. When you learn the tools you are equipped with by God because of who you are, you will be able to reach your potential.
Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, be confident you can use them. Own your position and the tasks you are asked to do. Do them to the best of YOUR ability. The best thing you can do is become incomparable to the person who was in your position, not necessarily because you are better, but because you are yourself - a unique human being created by God.
Have a great week!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Weekend Warriors
I'm THE worst at keeping up with this blog. I'll blame it on summer and all the recent traveling I've been doing, but honestly I've never been good at keeping up with a blog. BUT I do have 9 posts under my belt and that's worth keeping up so I won't be throwing in the towel anytime soon.
Speaking of my travels, I consider myself a weekend warrior. I have no idea where I learned that term but I like it and I like living it out. As an entry-leveler you may not have very many obligations and therefore you may have an awful lot of time after work and on weekends. My suggestion - use it! It's great to have a restful weekend here or there, but don't forget you are starting out at a new job and you're in the midst of change so use it to your advantage. Try new things, go new places, meet new people. You're already doing that at your new job, so why not take it elsewhere and build your entry-level network.
Get your Yelp app out and try a new restaurant or bar. Go to museums, take a road trip, start hiking. I'm blessed because I strategically placed myself in California - a state full of things to do at any time of day, any day of the week. Some places may require some work. Try local or community events.
For those of you that are unemployed your weekends are just as much your weekdays, but since you have so much free time don't forget that its okay to have fun and take a break from your full time job of being unemployed. Plus, it's another chance for you to network and possibly find a new job. The last thing you want is to burn out from weeks of applications. Your best friend is Google and the search phrase "Free things to do in ____________."
The more active you are in trying new things, the better you'll be able to take on change. It's adaptability and agility. That's applicable to any area of life. So join me in becoming a fellow weekend warrior and fight the good fight of living up your weekend. Take advantage of the 30+ hours you have not sitting at a desk doing entry-level things.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4
Speaking of my travels, I consider myself a weekend warrior. I have no idea where I learned that term but I like it and I like living it out. As an entry-leveler you may not have very many obligations and therefore you may have an awful lot of time after work and on weekends. My suggestion - use it! It's great to have a restful weekend here or there, but don't forget you are starting out at a new job and you're in the midst of change so use it to your advantage. Try new things, go new places, meet new people. You're already doing that at your new job, so why not take it elsewhere and build your entry-level network.
Get your Yelp app out and try a new restaurant or bar. Go to museums, take a road trip, start hiking. I'm blessed because I strategically placed myself in California - a state full of things to do at any time of day, any day of the week. Some places may require some work. Try local or community events.
For those of you that are unemployed your weekends are just as much your weekdays, but since you have so much free time don't forget that its okay to have fun and take a break from your full time job of being unemployed. Plus, it's another chance for you to network and possibly find a new job. The last thing you want is to burn out from weeks of applications. Your best friend is Google and the search phrase "Free things to do in ____________."
The more active you are in trying new things, the better you'll be able to take on change. It's adaptability and agility. That's applicable to any area of life. So join me in becoming a fellow weekend warrior and fight the good fight of living up your weekend. Take advantage of the 30+ hours you have not sitting at a desk doing entry-level things.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4
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