Taking Ownership of Your Career

Tonight I delivered a seminar called Taking Ownership of Your Career at a local library.  One topic I always touch on in this workshop is identifying your “sparks” – those moments in time that send a shiver up your spine or give you a jolt of positive energy.  Some of the sparks that participants mentioned were:

  • Being outside in nature – the expansion of space and light
  • Having an impact on many people
  • Mentoring others
  • Seeing progress in your life

The list went on to include a wide variety of experiences, environments and activities. One of my sparks is seeing the light in someones eyes and the energy in their voice when they talk about their sparks.  Another is leading programs like this with a great group of people sharing their thoughts, goals and possibilities!

So what about you?  What are some of your “sparks”?

Being Creative

I have aways known that creativity was an important part of my life, but recently I realize how easily I let it slip away from time to time.  Many of you know that I paint, but it had been weeks since the last time I took a brush to paper.  Summer, the beach, my business, time with friends – all wonderful other things crowded it out.  Then, in the last two weeks I resurrected it.  One afternoon I spent painting with a friend of mine who is an artist and this past weekend another friend and I walked around downtown Raleigh with my camera.  This had been something I had wanted to do for a while, since I love beautiful architecture.  I went to take my first shot and realized my camera batteries were dead.  Now you think it would be easy to find someplace to buy batteries in a city, but many things were closed on the weekend.  I did not give up though and found my batteries in one of the hotel convenience shops.  Here is some evidence of photos I captured. 

Getting Involved

Yesterday I attended a luncheon for the womens business group I belong to called Chix in Business.  The topic for the program was Building Business Through Community Outreach.  What a wonderful panel presentation from three great women who are actively involved not only in Chix but with several organizations whose mission and values they believe in.

I noticed several themes in the discussion that showcased how each woman grew personally and professionally as she gave to others.  What came up several times was stretching out of your comfort zone (words I am known for in my own life and in helping my clients do the same) by stepping into a role or task that you either don’t know how to do or don’t think you are good at.  When you stretch, amazing things can happen – including gaining courage and confidence, and possibly even discovering a latent talent!  Another theme that came up was how much of a difference one person can make – especially when you rally others to help.  Getting others involved increases your visibility in the community and it also exponentially increases your reach and contribution.  For me, serving on the Board of Chix in Business has deepened my connection to these incredible women and to the greater community.

What organizations are you a part of?  How has giving helped you grow as well?  I’d love to hear from you!