When deciding on a new career path, it can feel daunting to even figure out where to start. Many people tell me that they do not like their current job, but are unsure about what they would like to do instead. Taking time to explore different areas of interest can be a useful place to start. One of the most research-supported tests of career interests breaks different tasks into six domains. A free test to determine your interests is available at: https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip. Taking this test can help narrow down what type of career you might like to pursue.
Identify action steps
As you consider new career options, the challenge of making such a change can seem insurmountable and this can lead to a steady loss of motivation. Instead of focusing on the final goal of a new career, consider individual action steps that might help get you there. For example, maybe you need to meet someone already in the field or find your first paying customer. For others it might be mastering a particular skill or attending a related seminar. The smaller you can make each of these steps, the better off you will be in reaching your new career.
Evaluate barriers
Any major life change has a number of potential barriers that need to be overcome. This is especially true when considering a career change. Some careers have many more barriers to entry than others (e.g., education, tuition fees, training time). Once you have identified a career you might be interested in, list out all of the potential barriers. Initially this may cause you to feel overwhelmed and defeated. However, return to the list after a few days and explore the feasibility of overcoming each barrier. For example, if your chosen career would require additional education, brainstorm ways you might be able to pay for tuition, provide an income while in school, and manage new academic responsibilities.
Speak with a professional
There are many different types of professionals who can assist you as you prepare to make a career change. You may choose to work with a therapist who specializes in this area or a designated career counselor. If you attended college or are still in school, you may have access to career specialists that can help you determine next steps, rework your resume, or help you identify your interests and abilities.
If you would like more information about making a career change, please feel free to email us at andrea@dendrinospsychology.com or call us at 612-470-4099.
We are two weeks into the new year. How are your resolutions coming? Odds are not too well. Researchers estimate that 80% of New Year’s resolutions will fail by February. We find that people’s motivation drops quickly within the first month of the year. With goals to lose weight, improve relationships, start something new, or get rid of a bad habit, our chances of succeeding are low. The most common resolutions revolve around healthy eating and weight loss, but rarely last. In fact, February 4th is the biggest day for fast food visits (now creatively known as the “fatty solstice”) and gym visits seem to tank around the same time of year. So, if we are serious about changing, what can we do about it?
Why do resolutions fail?
Looking at what derails you from meeting your goals is a helpful place to start. Here is a great example of how changing your thinking can change your behavior. When you do make a slip-up (which is bound to happen), do not view it as a failure and scrap the rest of the day. Get back to your goal as soon as you can. Eleven o’clock at night is not too late to start eating healthy again.
When you do work towards your goal, how have you been rewarding yourself? Humans respond remarkably well to reinforcement, but many of us neglect to reward ourselves. Develop incentives that will help motivate you to meet your goal. A beneficial reinforcer occurs frequently enough to maintain motivation and not too often that its value diminishes quickly. I often encourage patients to develop a list of possible reinforcers (e.g., coffee with a friend, buying a book) to choose from in case motivation changes over time.
Sometimes we make the simple error of moving the goal line. Let’s say you want to go to the gym three times a week, but once you’ve accomplished that, you set the goal of going every day. Stick to the original goal or you may find your motivation decreases quickly.
What can you do to keep your resolution?
Recent research shows that postponement of something is more successful than total restriction of it. Instead of eliminating your vice, consider postponing it and reducing its frequency overtime. Scientists have found that we tend to desire and consume products more if we try to restrict them entirely.
Accountability and partnership can be enormously beneficial when we are working towards a new goal. Find someone who can participate in the goal with you. Having someone to go to the gym with or participate in a new hobby with can help provide you with motivation when you are not feeling motivated on your own.
Sometimes a professional can help you work toward a new goal. This might be a personal trainer, dietician, financial advisor, or even a psychologist. If you would like more information about getting professional support for your goal, call us at 612-470-4099 or email us at andrea@dendrinospsychology.com.
DENDRINOS PSYCHOLOGY 