Finding the sweet spot
During my long career in sales and executive leadership, many have approached me with concerns over their career path. They were often uncertain about their current choice and searching for a job with greater meaning. Finding your sweet spot — that place of contentment — is not easy. It requires making it a habit to do certain things.
Ask questions
The journey to find your comfort zone starts by asking some critical questions:
- What do you do better than people around you?
- What do you do without effort?
- What do you do without being asked?
- What do you do readily without getting paid?
- What do you do that highly energizes you?
When you have answered these questions you are ready to develop new habits.
Three dimensions
In his book The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey explains that habits lie at the intersection of knowledge, attitude, and skill. As we develop these three dimensions, we increasingly become equal to new challenges and gain possibilities.
Knowledge –We must be life-long learners. Develop the habit of reading every day and choose topics that motivate you. For me it’s leadership, sales, and theology.
Attitude –When I meet someone who isn’t excited about his/her career, I ask them about their true passions. Recognize what you want to do with your life and make realignments accordingly by developing the right habits.
Skills – Work on honing the habits that foster your unique talents and tap into what motivates you. This will make a difference. Regardless of what you are doing now, practice the habit of sharpening the skill-set that gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment and reward.
Leave a legacy
Deep within each of us is an inner longing to live a life of greatness and contribution — to leave a legacy. Make a habit of striving for the knowledge to recognize your path, the courage to take it, and the talents that enable you to be all that you can be.
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