For many people, this is hard.  Thinking outside the ordinary.  We like consistency sometimes don’t we? It’s easy to stay inside a set of walls of protection…walls of thought that you’ve built over these past years, isn’t it? Of course.  All this time, you are used to follow strict regimented sets of rules and policies at home, school and work.

The bell rings and you automatically get up to switch to the next classroom, which is pre-designated for you, and you have a short amount of time that you MUST be in that room. You then follow a daily routine of work and lesson plans that a teacher sets for you. When you go to lunch, many of you eat whatever is given, no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it, right? Yea…you have to at what they provide.  There are specific times and objectives for everything that is already set for you. Life is kinda like this.

It’s hard for you to literally think for yourselves because maybe there are others in your lives that do the thinking for you. You know what I mean? Not necessarily someone actually telling you how to do, or think or act or feel. But, there is so much pressure out there to be like others, to fall into the mainstream of things and not be different from everyone else. Different people are often talked about and looked at differently from others. Being different for many people is not fun. Not all. There are plenty that love to be different. We see them everyday.

But the idea is that we are so wrapped up with consistency and the everyday structures life, that thinking outside the box is kind of difficult to do. It’s not easy to just shift your thinking pattern.

No wonder its hard to think for yourself.But let’s start right now. I’m going to show you how. Some very simple steps for you to take in choosing the right career for you.

The first and hardest part I think for many is that you need to focus on YOU…and YOU alone.

Clear your mind. Take everything out of your thought process. Homework, the girls, the boys, money, video games, stresses, sports, things you’re going to do this weekend, etc. Take it all out and completely void your mind as much as you can. Turn the lights off, shut the door and meditatively focus on YOU. This is important because so much of what we do, we do it because we should.

This takes some practice, so try it out and practice first.  It’s almost a meditation type feeling. If you don’t want to get all into that, that’s fine.  Just keep your mind fresh and clear because this is where you should dedicate some specific time for you to make some of the most important decisions of your life.

HERE’S WHY:

The three questions below can help you start the process here. It’s important for you to be realistic and honest with yourself.

These are very easy questions.

1. What is my dream job? (be realistic)

2. What are 3 qualities that I have. (if you can’t think of any don’t worry, I’ll help)

3.  If you won $10 million, what job would you still do? (you have to think of something …can’t say lay on the beach in the Caribbean…lol)

Write them down.  Taking notes is so important and will benefit you, trust me. I’ve learned the hard way that when I don’t write something I think is pretty important. Whenever I didn’t, I needed it. It sucked, but whatever.

The next set of entries over the next few days will be a focus of three areas of thought for you. This will help you to pave that journey. It’s a refection of my true beliefs as to how you can find the CAREER of choice.  The kind that fit your personality, likes and skills.

By opening up and telling you about what I’ve been through professionally will help to justify why these three things are so important to understand. Because of what I went through, experienced and learned from, I am more successful in my CAREER than I ever thought I would, as well as knowing that there is HOPE for me to be even more successful, professionally and financially.

THIS IS WHERE YOU THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX…

1. Think about what you like in life

2. Think about what you are good at…skills/abilities. Check out my January 22 post about matching your favorite subject with the career of choice.

3. Think about the kind of person you are with regard to your personality

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

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Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at The Hope Chest. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.