Columnists
Time for change
Don't stunt the growth of your dreams.
By Fred Koury
Smart Business Akron/Canton | August 2001
How many of us are waiting for something to happen?
We may not necessarily be aware of what we're waiting for, but still, we wait. We come into the office on Monday, feel a total lack of motivation and start the trudge through another week. Before you know it, a year has gone by -- and then your life has passed you by, too.
What have we accomplished? What kind of impact have we made on society? Have we truly made a difference? What would your epitaph read? How about your eulogy?
My goal is not to write a doom and gloom column. It is to get you thinking about your future.
Each one of us has a certain lot in life. Are you living life to the fullest? If your answer is no and you are interested in making the necessary changes to do so, continue reading.
We all have basic practical needs that must be met, but sometimes, we can be too practical, stifling our growth within the rigid frame of our life's schedule. Life can be very similar to nature if we allow it to follow its natural course. Just like seeds become plants that eventually flower, our dreams can blossom, too, if we let them.
There are two things that need to take place in order to realize our heart-felt dreams. First, it's important to realize that we do need to meet basic practical needs, so don't make rash decisions which could prove more harmful than helpful. Second, be ready to take a chance and make a leap of faith. Timing is everything. Here are several signs to help you recognize it might be time for a change.
1. You don't like what you are doing at work. This is a sign that you have a job, not a career. A job is a series of tasks you perform. A career is something you believe in and which gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
2. Does something else interest you? Make inquiries, do some research and explore while you are in your current position. I'm not suggesting you take advantage of your current situation, but this will give you time to think before you make hasty decision. Learn more about the details of what you're considering, and talk to others who do it.
3. Find the new opportunity that's right for you. Pursue your new interest by locating the best opportunity that fits the criteria you created while exploring and researching what you wanted to change.
4. Take the plunge. Wait until you have peace about your decision. If it doesn't feel right, it's probably not the right choice. Bide your time until a better opportunity finds you.
Change is never easy, but you have to be willing to take a risk. The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
The seed of your dreams will never flower if you don't allow it to grow. Fred Koury (fkoury@sbnnet.com) is president and CEO of SBN Magazine.
