What does an Olympic athlete have in common with a job seeker? Drive, dedication, passion. And let's not forget the ability and desire to compete.
I love watching the Olympics. No where else can you see such a strong a demonstration of commitment and this commitment and passion generally drives me to tears.
These athletes have been preparing their entire lives to compete. They have made sacrifices in the name of their passion and gift. They take risks and know that failure will come with risk-taking. Yet, there they are. Only 3 of them will be honorably recognized. Was it worth it for them? It was their dream.
At the core of their motivation is their passion for what they are doing. Have you identified your passion? Are you pursuing your next career with the same outlook as the Olympic athlete?
They are training every day. Are you practicing every day?
They are experimenting with new techniques and moves and methods to improve their performance. Are you investing in yourself and your professional development?
They have a coach and team-mates who push them and hold them accountable. Do you?
As you watch the Olympics, draw your own analogies and see which ones you can incorporate in managing your career.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
