July 18, 2011
By Ruchira Agrawal
Some of you may be familiar with the term 'authentic work', others perhaps reading this for the first time and wondering what it really means. The term 'authenticity' according to Wikipedia means - "the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character", despite "external forces, pressures, and influences". And when you apply it to your work, it obviously means engaging in work that is closest to who you are as a person and what you're naturally gifted and talented in.
Some people seem to know early on in life what exactly they want to do when they grow up. They stay connected to that dream, plan by getting educated and acquiring necessary skills and then go on to do it. And guess what, they not only do it, but they also remain happy in their chosen careers because perhaps it was what they were born to do, most importantly it's something they enjoy and are passionate about. It's easy to find fulfillment when you pursue an authentic career.
Unfortunately most either aren't fortunate enough to have a clear dream or even if they do, over time due to external influences and factors (parents, teachers, what pays well, prestige and so on) forget or choose to let go of it. Result? A working lifetime of dissatisfaction and unhappiness; no surprise that the job discontent rate is so high in the corporate world globally.
When one is involved pursuing inauthentic work, you continue to work because you need the money but the happiness, fulfillment and that sense of meaning rarely arrives. Why? Because you are settling, you are sacrificing the joy that makes your heart sing. Take it from someone who's been there and done that.
Fortunately, we get second chances; how they arrive, in what shape or form, it doesn't matter. Whether you get laid off, whether you lose your job for any other reason; when that chance arrives, my advice is to jump at it and take it. Use it to your advantage to pursue either what you always knew you should but you didn't. Or if you had no idea before, use this time to figure out what your authentic career maybe.
An authentic career is about being you. It is not about trying to live up to others' definitions of success or their idea of the perfect career for you.
So what will discovering 'your authentic career' involve?
If you are just starting in trying to figure out, know that they answers are within YOU. So that means you have to begin by really getting to know yourself on a deeper level – who you are, what your strengths, value, personality is about. Sometimes you feel like you are being stretched in directions you know nothing about, that's okay; don’t be afraid of taking risks. Keep an open mind.
Here are some suggestions that will help you -
Take some time to discover or re-discover who you are – So many of us don't know our own selves on a deeper level. Find out what makes you tick. What fascinates you, grabs your attention, what you like and dislike, what your strengths and weaknesses are, what are your preferences?
Trust your Instincts – Honor that voice inside and see where it leads you, don't shoot it down, it may hold the key to your answers. Explore with an open mind.
Express the truth of who you are – This is the time to be as real, genuine and authentic as you can be with yourself and about yourself. Remember, as long as you worry about others and base decisions on what they will want and think versus what your own desires, you won't be true to yourself.
Take a stand, take responsibility for your beliefs and actions, and be proactive – Don't be afraid speak and stand by what you believe in. Work on building self-confidence and self-esteem if you find yourself shaky.
Take the time to discover your Purpose and Passion – Remember we are NOT looking for what would fascinate you for a day or two instead what would hold your interest for a lifetime.
Take Action – Don't be afraid to follow through. Once you have the knowledge, don't just stop, take small steps to build and create your Authentic Career.
It’s always worthwhile to take the time to identify what you are naturally gifted in, to discover your vocational calling and create a career based on that. You can solve the problem of career discontent once and for all.
Ruchira Agrawal is a Personal and Professional development Coach, Mindset and Intuition expert, Author, CEO of InnerVeda Communications. She works with individuals who are at a life and career crossroads looking to change careers discover their Right work. Her eBook- Before You Launch Your Business: How to decide if being an Entrepreneur is for you is available at Amazon’s Kindle store. For her coaching programs and services, please visit her website: http://www.innerveda.com/.
Some of you may be familiar with the term 'authentic work', others perhaps reading this for the first time and wondering what it really means. The term 'authenticity' according to Wikipedia means - "the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character", despite "external forces, pressures, and influences". And when you apply it to your work, it obviously means engaging in work that is closest to who you are as a person and what you're naturally gifted and talented in.
Some people seem to know early on in life what exactly they want to do when they grow up. They stay connected to that dream, plan by getting educated and acquiring necessary skills and then go on to do it. And guess what, they not only do it, but they also remain happy in their chosen careers because perhaps it was what they were born to do, most importantly it's something they enjoy and are passionate about. It's easy to find fulfillment when you pursue an authentic career.
Unfortunately most either aren't fortunate enough to have a clear dream or even if they do, over time due to external influences and factors (parents, teachers, what pays well, prestige and so on) forget or choose to let go of it. Result? A working lifetime of dissatisfaction and unhappiness; no surprise that the job discontent rate is so high in the corporate world globally.
When one is involved pursuing inauthentic work, you continue to work because you need the money but the happiness, fulfillment and that sense of meaning rarely arrives. Why? Because you are settling, you are sacrificing the joy that makes your heart sing. Take it from someone who's been there and done that.
Fortunately, we get second chances; how they arrive, in what shape or form, it doesn't matter. Whether you get laid off, whether you lose your job for any other reason; when that chance arrives, my advice is to jump at it and take it. Use it to your advantage to pursue either what you always knew you should but you didn't. Or if you had no idea before, use this time to figure out what your authentic career maybe.
An authentic career is about being you. It is not about trying to live up to others' definitions of success or their idea of the perfect career for you.
So what will discovering 'your authentic career' involve?
If you are just starting in trying to figure out, know that they answers are within YOU. So that means you have to begin by really getting to know yourself on a deeper level – who you are, what your strengths, value, personality is about. Sometimes you feel like you are being stretched in directions you know nothing about, that's okay; don’t be afraid of taking risks. Keep an open mind.
Here are some suggestions that will help you -
Take some time to discover or re-discover who you are – So many of us don't know our own selves on a deeper level. Find out what makes you tick. What fascinates you, grabs your attention, what you like and dislike, what your strengths and weaknesses are, what are your preferences?
Trust your Instincts – Honor that voice inside and see where it leads you, don't shoot it down, it may hold the key to your answers. Explore with an open mind.
Express the truth of who you are – This is the time to be as real, genuine and authentic as you can be with yourself and about yourself. Remember, as long as you worry about others and base decisions on what they will want and think versus what your own desires, you won't be true to yourself.
Take a stand, take responsibility for your beliefs and actions, and be proactive – Don't be afraid speak and stand by what you believe in. Work on building self-confidence and self-esteem if you find yourself shaky.
Take the time to discover your Purpose and Passion – Remember we are NOT looking for what would fascinate you for a day or two instead what would hold your interest for a lifetime.
Take Action – Don't be afraid to follow through. Once you have the knowledge, don't just stop, take small steps to build and create your Authentic Career.
It’s always worthwhile to take the time to identify what you are naturally gifted in, to discover your vocational calling and create a career based on that. You can solve the problem of career discontent once and for all.
Ruchira Agrawal is a Personal and Professional development Coach, Mindset and Intuition expert, Author, CEO of InnerVeda Communications. She works with individuals who are at a life and career crossroads looking to change careers discover their Right work. Her eBook- Before You Launch Your Business: How to decide if being an Entrepreneur is for you is available at Amazon’s Kindle store. For her coaching programs and services, please visit her website: http://www.innerveda.com/.
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