It’s so hard figuring out what you want and how that connects to what society wants from you. Is it just me or have you grown up thinking – What is a Professional Life? How do I know I’m successful or if I’m at least going down the right path? Well, you’re not the only one and there is a clear and straightforward answer to this question.
Growing up and making decisions about your life is so exhausting. It’s overwhelming and makes you wish you never stopped singing the Toys R’ Us song, “I don’t want to grow up because if I did. I wouldn’t be a Toys R’ Us kid.”
As someone who finally stopped questioning their existence and started taking action, I know exactly what you need to take some action and get out of your head.
This post is filled with a few questions and ideas that once you answer, you will have everything you need to go in the right direction. Believe me, it really can be that simple. And after all, you have nothing to lose.
This post is all about the heavy-weight question, “What is a Professional life?”
What is a Professional Life?
1) Make a Decision
One of the hardest things you can do is make a decision. But oh boy, oh boy, once you do, your life changes drastically. When you stand up and proclaim this is what I want. Then you have a goal or at least a direction to go in. You’ll have a purpose. And nothing is more professional than knowing what you want and holding yourself accountable.
Think about it this way, what does a professional have that you don’t have? They have somewhere to go and something to do. And they’re only able to take these actions after making a decision.
Life is not about fitting into someone else’s box of what success is. It’s about looking in the mirror and saying “I choose this and I deserve it”. So what is this illusive decision you need to make? Well, it can come in the form of two different questions.
What do you want from work?
We all have to work and whether it’s your dream job or your attempt to cover your needs, it’s not always a fabulous venture. But even in the worst of moments, working is not as bad as it seems.
Honestly, if you read the section about work in Kahlil Gibran‘s The Prophet. You will fall in love with the idea. Work is an act of service. When you work you are providing something for humanity and society. Yes, you work to acquire money to purchase things that support your lifestyle but it exists because no human can do anything alone. We need each other to survive and progress.
That being said, let’s also acknowledge that you’re not a machine. Work is only fulfilling if it’s connected to an interest you have or if it’ll lead you to somewhere you’d like to be.
Take advantage of this outlet by having it mean more than money. Have a reason why it matters or decide which portion of your job is the most interesting. This will allow you to decide how your work will ultimately lead you to what you want to experience most. And if you have the dream job, then think about how you can help others achieve the same fate.
What do you want from your personal life?
How do you spend your life? Is there a hobby that speaks to your heart? Or a task that you easily become obsessed with and spend hours doing? Maybe a white picket fence and family is what you desire most? Paint the picture for yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream big.
After you have decided what you’d like your life to look like outside of work, then start making your way towards it.
Remember it’s important to have a life outside of work that compliments and interests you. Variety is the spice of life and it’s the only way to experience different sides of yourself.
Without this, you may find yourself feeling empty, overworked, or like something is missing. When you know exactly what you’re missing and you take steps towards filling that void, then watch out world, here comes the dreamer with a plan.
2) Dedicate yourself to learning what’s important to you
It’s not enough to want something. If there’s something you want, then you have to do whatever you can to get it. And 9 out of 10 times this comes in the form of learning. Learning what it is and then learning how it’s done.
No one is born perfect or is naturally a total expert on any discipline in existence. It takes time, patience, and effort to become a master of something. And this is the goal. Once you’re able to perform your best, then you’ll elevate the discipline as a whole.
The downfall with learning is wondering if you’re wasting time but you’ll be able to decipher things for yourself if you’re on the right track by answering these two questions.
Are you going to multiple sources?
When you become a follower of one person’s method and only believe in their process of living or doing anything, that is not learning. That is a cult.
This beautiful world has been around for a while and that means there are a lot of different ways to do something. Also, there are a lot of different ideas revolving around similar topics. You’re only able to select or understand your style once you know what your options are.
Don’t rob yourself of the opportunity of creating your own style of doing things by purely adopting one person’s method. Have fun and play around with discovering yourself in your chosen activity.
I mean, would you go to a restaurant and not take a look at the menu? You have to try all the dishes if you want to become a chef.
How are you measuring your progress?
One thing that stinketh real bad, is if you’re working and you have no idea where you’re going. You have to define for yourself how you’ll measure your progress.
If you don’t do this you’ll become your worst enemy. The times will change, new opportunities will appear and you’ll be stuck in your ways and unable to move forward. Don’t be that person! It may lead to depression and stunt your growth.
But honestly, if you can’t defeat a limit or pass a score then there’s no satisfaction in your growth. Would you want to go to the gym every day and never see a muscle?
3) Create a Plan
Here’s the fun part and a super cliche acronym. Every goal should be:
Specific – Sounds a bit like making a decision
Measurable – Sounds a bit like the last item we touched upon
Achievable – It may seem obvious, but it’s not. If there’s no possibility of achieving your goal, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Relevant – Does your plan actually make sense or match up with everything else going on? Think of it like this, if I work in an office in a busy building then does it make sense for my goal to become a llama trainer?
Time-Based – We can’t work on something forever. If you give yourself a deadline then there’s an end in sight.
Without a plan that follows the structure of a smart goal then you only have dreams. It’s like what Denzel Washington says, “Dream big — but remember dreams without goals are just dreams, and they ultimately fuel disappointment.” Don’t be your greatest enemy or fuel your life with disappointment. Be your own greatest advocate and do something about it.
4) Take it One Day at a Time
This is the most annoying part about having a professional life. Discipline. To keep going one day at a time.
When you practice this level of commitment and all of the other items on this list then you can say I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. So here are a few pieces of advice to keep you on the long road:
Daily motivation is up to you – You control what you listen to and what you allow yourself to think about. Choose to live your life in the light and only entertain thoughts that support your endeavors.
Get up from daily failures – We all trip and fall. And that’s ok. It’s normal and builds up your level of resistance. What you need is to have a strong reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Remain flexible – Life is constantly in motion. Ride the wave. Try to have little to no expectations. And only focus on what you can control.
Never lose the joy – Life is only as hard as you allow it to be. Fill your life with moments that uplift you and keep you inspired. We don’t just operate from the brain, but from the heart.
This post was all about what a professional life is, how to define it, and tips for achieving it.
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