Seeking Opportunity

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 people talk about their desire
for a better career situation on a regular basis.
Frequently people ask me to help them find a new
opportunity that will provide career growth. And, as a
professional career development consultant, I try to
help 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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Todd Royer has been writing for the internet
for 2 years. He has helped hundreds of people with
their professional growth. If you would like a
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A list of Career Development articles by Todd Royer are
available for reprint at: http://www.toddroyerwriting.com