• Posted on Dec 21, 2023

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁? 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲.

JP Michel, a visionary in career strategy, hits the nail on the head in his book, “The World Needs You (https://mysparkpath.com/pages/theworldneedsyou).

He explains that the labor market is propelled by challenges awaiting solutions, not just fancy titles on a business card. And I couldn’t agree more!

In my journey as a career consultant and executive advisor, I’ve seen countless professionals fixated on the title they want to achieve. But here’s a thought: What if we flipped the script?

Imagine defining your career by the impact you want to make. Ask yourself:

✨ What challenge ignites my passion?

✨ Which organizations are already tackling this issue?

✨ What skills and credentials will position me to contribute meaningfully?

This approach isn’t just theoretical—it’s a practical pathway to a fulfilling career, especially in the sectors I serve: federal, nonprofit, and higher education, where the mission is as crucial as the role itself.

When we shift our mindset, we shift from feeling uncertain to feeling confident and excited. When you identify the challenges you’re eager to solve and align your career trajectory to be part of the solution, you set yourself up for less stress, more joy, and a deeper impact.

I met JP Michel at a National Career Development Association conference many years ago. I bought his SparkPath Challenge Cards (https://mysparkpath.com) and started using them with my career consulting clients. For the record, these weren’t the first card decks I used. I tried at least five different decks prior to trying his. At the time, I was eager to try something new because I’m always looking for better ways to better serve those who trust me to help them.

After using the card deck the first time, I experienced the ease in which my client came to their realization and the efficiency it facilitated in me as a career consultant. I was hooked!

Ever since then and multiple career clients later, I’m an advocate for the philosophy of starting with the problem or challenge you want to help solve.

As a clinical sociologist, I don’t only work on the micro level with individual career consulting clients and solopreneurs. I also work with organizations on the macro level. I mention this because the perspective of the ‘challenge first’ perspective is also transferable to my work in those arenas, especially when I’m advising around mission implementation and values at work.

Though I’ve been engaged in his work for years, his book was just released. Like everything else he puts out into the world – it’s good stuff!👍🏾

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

✔️ What’s the one problem you’re passionate about solving?

✔️ How is this philosophy different from your current mindset?

#CareerDevelopment #ProblemSolving #SocialImpact

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💜 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗖. 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 💜

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