What is opportunity? Would you recognize it if you saw it? Is it an external set of circumstances out there in the world or is opportunity a matter of internal change? I say opportunity always starts as an inward change. That's to say, opportunity is a matter of changing your attitudes, feelings and opinions. Once you've made these internal changes, the space for external change becomes available.

As a recruiter, I hear individuals talk about their desire for a better career situation on a regular basis. Frequently people ask me to assist them find a new opportunity that will provide career growth. And, as a professional career development consultant, I try to assist when I can. Yet, I know the real issue is internal and even if I find a better job for this man or woman, he or she will take along that same person who felt trapped at the last job.

So where does it start? The first impulse for change often comes from some discomforting and unlikable external problem. Let's say you get passed over for a promotion at your current job. Who could like that, and who would see opportunity in that? Well, sure enough, there lies the origin of opportunity. The most important issue is how will you respond to that disappointment? Will you lash out at the circumstances around you attempting to change them? Maybe a new job will help. Or maybe not. Maybe a new energy, a renewed excitement about the details of projects, an internal shift in attitudes is where it all begins. That's where I'm certain it begins. A person who does this internal work first puts his or herself in the best position for career growth and becomes a far stronger candidate for a new job. Do the internal work first; look for a new job after that work is done.

© by Todd Royer. All Rights Reserved.

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