Resiliency First

By Steve Beseke, beseke1@earthlink.net

The word “settle” is not one of my favorite words when it comes to my career – I hope it is the same way with you. As we successfully navigate through this challenging economy, many friends of mine have had to settle for a new job they may not have necessarily taken if times were better. Other friends have had to settle for a deteriorating work situation with cuts at their company by as much as 75 percent.

Don’t get me wrong: Folks need to do whatever it takes to stop or avoid collecting unemployment checks. But settling can open up an entirely different can of worms when it comes to your confidence, belief in yourself and your passion for the future. While I have had  my share of lay off challenges in the sometimes chaotic circumstances we call “life today,” I still have looked for positions that I could use my strengths as a communicator and writer.

This led me to thinking about how I could “control” my own destiny and starting up a career and life resiliency speaking/writing business. Humbly, it has been very successful because of my proven strengths as a writer, speaker and offering all of you a glimpse of myself – warts and all. While doing this, I also continued to look for corporate communications executive positions that might fit into my renewed resilient lifestyle. The right type of positions are now turning up now as the economy inches up towards at least being even again.

My dilemma is how should I incorporate my successful resiliency biz into my future goals. As I take the next step to a rewarding corporate communications position, I just don’t want to settle for that. I also want to incorporate my burgeoning resiliency business as a platform for me for the future.

I’ve been lucky enough to be acclaimed worldwide by many of you for my resiliency writing and speaking. This has afforded me options that I don’t necessarily want to give up as I land a new communications executive position. I’m still “noodling” about exactly the right mix and would love your advice. Please e-mail at beseke1@earthlink.net.

The lesson I suggest you ponder is what I’ve learned from many of my friends: Please don’t think you don’t have options – your skills and strengths have made you very successful so far. Find a way to take advantage of your situation whether you are employed or still looking for your next great work adventure.

Too often in the past I’ve sold myself short and taken what I could get. As I leave the back nine of my 40s this year, it is my time to look out what is best for me. What is truly best for you?

There’s no way you want to stay or accept a dead-end job, and spending the next few years lamenting how your skills are not being utilized to the fullest. As my resiliency example shows, you need to stick to your strengths, carve out your unique role and make a difference for the most important and terrific person in your life – You!

This belief has given me new life, direction and confidence over the last number of months, and I know you can have the same success. Please just believe that you are so much more special than you always think  - that is, as long as you BELIEVE!!! Then, you won’t have to settle for a life and career controlled by other folks’ agendas.

Taking a hold of your life and not settling also will have an amazing consequence. Folks at work and in your personal life will see your confidence as never before. Wow! See what not settling can do for you…

I truly appreciate your continued readership, and my blog is now reaching more than 10,000 great folks like you worldwide every month – and nearly 22,000 folks last week alone. Not settling for me has made such a difference and has given me the very humbling opportunity to offer my resiliency thoughts to you!

Until next week…take care and please use resiliency as a way to expand your unique and unlimited horizons.