The past two weeks, three clients came to me expressing frustrations, ready to abandon their career plans because of setbacks and delays; I met five women at a symposium, each ready to walk away from their dreams; and I listened to a dynamic keynote speaker talk about how earlier in his career he was quick to give up what he knew in his heart was meant to be. Thankfully this morning, I was reminded by Steve Harvey, yes the comedian, the, “Joy is in the journey.” I almost had an accident while driving because those were the exact words I shared with my clients and new found colleagues recently. When he said that, it was confirmation I had to change my post this week and share it with you!

Feeling like your career plans aren’t meant to be? You’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like, or you’re getting the wrong kind of what I like to call, “hits,” when companies express an interest in you but the position is not a match skill wise or it’s a step backwards?

Career changes, transitions, and even workplace conflicts are not created equal. There’s no cookie-cutter process. Every step along the way to move forward or resolve an issue will flesh out differently for various reasons.

When moments or days of frustration come upon you, remember these things to help you stay focused and not give up.

 

You have a right to make it. You've worked hard. Everything you’re doing now is setting the stage for what’s to come.

Be ready when the opportunity comes. You are doing everything you can, that’s within your control, right? If not, be relentless. It makes the dfference in being ready vs. getting ready. Don’t stop until you get everything you need to complete done.

Trust the delay. Steve said it best this morning. If you want your garden of life to be filled with beautiful flowers then understand that means some rain will have to come. Sometimes it may be a sprinkle, other times a downpour. Trust the rain knowing that in the end it will cause the flowers to bloom, blossom, and grow.  

Celebrate in advance. Be thankful in advance. Tell yourself what’s to come is better than what’s been. You’ll see yourself with greater clarity in the role, place, or position you aspire to be.

Oh and before I forget. The keynote speaker I mentioned earlier. He joked about one time when he decided he was going to join the Peace Corps and leave his past in the dust if the company he was trying to get into did not call him by the end of the week. Well, several weeks went by before they called. He ended up being interviewed by half of the company (his words) and landed the job. But that's not the end. The recruiter that arranged the interviews later became his wife of 22 years! Talk about delayed time purposed to be divine time! Imagine what he would have missed out on had he gone away. Take heed. Don’t try to move ahead of time and end up at the wrong destination. Enjoy the journey.