Career Success: Create Your Own Standard
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
Are you questioning your current career path?
A conversation with a career changer reminded me of how so many professionals, especially women, struggle to measure up to the standard implied by "having it all." Having it all typically is understood to mean having a family that is awesome on every level and an exciting, thriving career with lots of recognition and money.
If you’re trying to measure up to that standard- most likely without even realizing it- you may be feeling like somehow you’ve failed if that’s not your current reality.
Perhaps, you’ve achieved the awesome family and exciting, thriving career and are still feeling like something is missing.
What if that version of having it all it isn't realistic for you right now, or it's not what you actually want?
So many professionals suffer in silence trying to measure up to that standard. They think something is wrong with them because their life looks nothing like that, or they don’t want it.
If you’re trying to measure up to that standard- most likely without even realizing it- you may be feeling like somehow you’ve failed if that’s not your current reality.
Perhaps, you’ve achieved the awesome family and exciting, thriving career and are still feeling like something is missing.
What if that version of having it all it isn't realistic for you right now, or it's not what you actually want?
So many professionals suffer in silence trying to measure up to that standard. They think something is wrong with them because their life looks nothing like that, or they don’t want it.
Imagine the freedom of living life on your terms and going after a career that supports the life you want.
You’d attract more opportunities to use your knowledge and natural talents in meaningful ways.
You’d have the confidence to go after your goals.
You’d have peace of mind, fulfilling relationships and feel good about the impact you’re making in the world.
You could do nothing and hope for the best.
Or, you could take steps to figure out what having it all means for you. Set goals and move forward.
Don’t wait anymore to take action. You deserve to have a meaningful life and career.
You’d have the confidence to go after your goals.
You’d have peace of mind, fulfilling relationships and feel good about the impact you’re making in the world.
You could do nothing and hope for the best.
Or, you could take steps to figure out what having it all means for you. Set goals and move forward.
Don’t wait anymore to take action. You deserve to have a meaningful life and career.
Proactive career exploration and planning gives you a road map for pursuing your desired career by guiding you through gaining personal insight, getting a reality check and charting a career path. You learn about what motivates you to achieve your best, explore viable career options, research realistic opportunities and plan for a successful job search or transition.
Here's the step-by-step process I use with my clients to help them design a career on their own terms.
Gain Personal Insight
You have unique knowledge, skills and abilities you can combine into a satisfying career. Going through a career assessment process will give you a reliable way to sort through the options and pinpoint those that can be most viable. Step back and take an in-depth look at you strengths, so you can create a career strategy to align your preferences with how you make a living. Define the type of work setting will be satisfying to you, the type of roles you’re most comfortable in, and how to best apply your strengths. Working with a trained career counselor who is certified in career assessment can help you understand how the insight applies to your personal situation.
Get a Reality Check
Career exploration gives you a reality check and can give you exposure to other options and hidden opportunities. There are numerous ways you can explore possibilities- online and in person. An initial step is to use online resources to learn as much as you can about a given job or career field such as what tasks are involved in the job, what training and education is needed for the job, typical salary and benefits and much more. You may also take classes, join in person or online groups related to your interests. The idea is to learn as much as you can about your ideas, so you can formulate a plan to get from “here to there”.
Chart Your Career Path
Pull the pieces together to plan how you've move forward in your career. No matter the direction you take there are many strategies for successfully navigating your next steps. Pursue your career interests, connect with others in your desired industry, build your skills and get visibility. If you're launching a job search you'll need an updated resume, online profile, updated interview skills and a personal branding action plan. My clients love doing this exercise as a way to explore what they really want. It’s a chance to get creative and dream big. It opens their mind to possibilities and encourages them to actually design their life exactly the way they want it to be.
You have unique knowledge, skills and abilities you can combine into a satisfying career. Going through a career assessment process will give you a reliable way to sort through the options and pinpoint those that can be most viable. Step back and take an in-depth look at you strengths, so you can create a career strategy to align your preferences with how you make a living. Define the type of work setting will be satisfying to you, the type of roles you’re most comfortable in, and how to best apply your strengths. Working with a trained career counselor who is certified in career assessment can help you understand how the insight applies to your personal situation.
Get a Reality Check
Career exploration gives you a reality check and can give you exposure to other options and hidden opportunities. There are numerous ways you can explore possibilities- online and in person. An initial step is to use online resources to learn as much as you can about a given job or career field such as what tasks are involved in the job, what training and education is needed for the job, typical salary and benefits and much more. You may also take classes, join in person or online groups related to your interests. The idea is to learn as much as you can about your ideas, so you can formulate a plan to get from “here to there”.
Chart Your Career Path
Pull the pieces together to plan how you've move forward in your career. No matter the direction you take there are many strategies for successfully navigating your next steps. Pursue your career interests, connect with others in your desired industry, build your skills and get visibility. If you're launching a job search you'll need an updated resume, online profile, updated interview skills and a personal branding action plan. My clients love doing this exercise as a way to explore what they really want. It’s a chance to get creative and dream big. It opens their mind to possibilities and encourages them to actually design their life exactly the way they want it to be.
Take control of your career, so you can stay motivated and feel like what you do is meaningful and makes a positive impact. My book, Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love, has worksheets and resources for each of these areas. You can get it for instant download.

Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, for career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
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