Last Month's Article
Have you thought about what you really want to do?
© 2004
Craig Nathanson
Many people may be content for the majority of their working
life if their situation meets externally viable needs
and they are rewarded properly.
Many people assume that rewards follow correct behavior
if we are willing to sacrifice for success. We expect
that if we do our part, life will pay off accordingly.
I saw many people in my corporate career just waiting
for their magic ticket to arrive.
Some however, while in mid-life start to come to terms
with the value and purpose of their work in their lives.
This is why it’s important in mid-life to consider
not only your values but also the degree of fit between
you and your current work environment. At mid-life,
you might discover during self-reflection that your
current work situation may not be suitable, as it does
not allow for you to carry out important aspects of
yourself. Can you relate to this?
This can relate to your values, hopes and dreams.
Even in the worse conditions, the motivation to survive
can be supported by the knowledge that there is meaning
in one’s life.
Many people pay a price when the vision of their life
does not match internal expectations. Many people remain
in jobs for many years feeling empty while doing work,
which is of little importance to them.
Is this you?
Sadly, I have seen very few HR related programs that
help people get to the core of what is important to
them. Then again, this is usually not the concern of
most organizations.
This pattern can continue until a combination of external
pressure and inner readiness emerges.
In mid-life self-reflection takes on new light. You
many find yourself asking deep questions about the value
of your life and your contribution to society.
This is reflective of this time of questioning your
life and current possibilities.
Most important however is the possible realization
that there might be a gap between where you expected
to be and where you are. This tension is inherent in
the human condition and therefore is indispensable to
mental well being. In mid-life, individuals once started
on the cycle of self-reflection start to announce their
intentions based on what they prize most in their lives.
In mid-life starting to follow what is most important
in one’s heart however can subject one to external
views from family and friends.
Had this happened to you?
As a result, it is easy in mid-life to get lost or
have your path blocked by the on-going demands of your
current activities.
Mid-life can be a period of awakening. A time of re-assessing
your work and life. This period can be a good time for
dealing with self-doubt and using new ideas to reflect
about your time left.
I know this can be a difficult thing for you to ponder.
But let’s face it, you only have so many heartbeats
left. Do you really care about what others think or
what may be written some day on your tombstone? I want
you to live your life now with energy, passion and a
smile on your face.
For many, mid-life can be a time of transition while
at the same time feeling that the sense of urgency is
raised about life and work.
Mid-life can be a time for strengthening your work
commitments or deciding to take action to move towards
new directions.
In mid-life, new perspectives can occur as a result
of new questioning about your life and what really matters
in your work.
Use this as an opportunity to question what you are
currently doing. Does it give you passion, energy and
a sense that your work matters?
If so, great! If not, now is the time for reflection
and action to make your second half the best yet!
I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!
Regards Craig Nathanson 2-04
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