…unconditional commitment.

The first reason I see people flourishing in their career is often described as bravery. What I would say is, bravery is a product of it. What inspires brave action is an unconditional commitment to pursuing your desired career path.

How is bravery an output of unconditional commitment?

People who pursue their desired career path tend to do so when they clearly see how the path will fulfil their ambitions, whilst also allowing them to honour the priorities in their life. Once this is evident, people begin to develop an unconditional commitment to their desired career path.

Amelia Earhart was the first lady to fly solo once across the Altlantic. Earhart believed that “the most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity”. When the prize is your desired career path, and where the benefits outweigh the risks attached to its pursuit, the decision to take action becomes clear. And yes, some of that action is indeed brave. But to the unconditionally committed action taker, it is viewed as a necessary step to make their desired career path a reality.

What holds people back from being brave around their career?

In my opinion, two factors inhibit people from taking brave action. Firstly, it is the lack of understanding of what their desired career path is. This is akin to being without a spark to light a campfire. Simply put, it is the prerequisite. Secondly, at any given point in time, and taking into account the overall circumstances in someone’s life, there may be more risks than benefits associated with pursuing your desired career path. If this is the case, the readiness project below may be very relevant.

Preparing for brave action in your career:

There’s naturally going to be a certain element of apprehension around committing to brave action. Here’s two suggestions to help you:

Take representative brave action:

Make some adjustments in your work or personal routine. Take a spontaneous holiday. Change the route or transport you take to work. Perhaps take on a leadership role in your club or society. Essentially start making decisions, however small in nature, that are representative of the ultimate change, or progression, you want to make. Each one is like a practice run to prepare you for the ultimate action you want to take.

Conduct a ‘Readiness Project’:

One good question to ask yourself is, what conditions need to be in place for me to take brave action in my career? Your answer to this question becomes the goals to achieve in your personal Readiness Project. Write them down and attach a timeline for completion for each them. By completing your Readiness Project, you help create the conditions necessary for you to proceed with your brave action.

Tune in on Sunday for the next edition of 10/10/10, A Desire to be the Best You Can Be.

Click here for a song that’s being shared for it’s very apt band name, song title and it’s energising intro.