Dear Tamika from the Bahamas: Create the Opportunity #AskRaniaA

Good morning Rania,

Thank you for this opportunity to share what is on my mind. For several decades, I have struggled with finding my niche in life.

I graduated high school in 1996 and since then have made my way up (through many fields) and now have a Executive Administrative Assistant position in the hospitality industry.

I feel stumped. On a consistent basis, I have come up with so many great ideas but lack the fortitude to bring any of these ideas to pass. There is a saying, “jack of all trades and master of none,” that has haunted me for 37 years; however, I have discovered that I can “process-improve” in any area – given the opportunity.

The truth is I do not know where to go from here. I do not want to live my life living under my potential – for it is so great! I need to earn an income, what should be my next steps for future fulfillment? (Yes, very general……but, what should I do?)

Sincerely,

Tamika (Bahamas-born)

Hi Tamika,

It sounds to me like you already have half the battle conquered. You know a lot already. You know that:

You have ideas
You can process improve – that’s a significant and needed skill
Not specializing is problematic
You want to realize your full potential.

That’s a great start!

You say you don’t have the fortitude to bring any of your ideas to fruition. So, the next step is ACTION. Don’t wait until you are “given the opportunity” – create the opportunity!

“Don’t wait until you are “given the opportunity” – create the opportunity!”

1. HOW TO PICK ONE

Pick an idea you think has the most merit. This idea could be a process improvement where you work or something new you want to pursue. To evaluate your ideas – pick the one that is at the intersection of:

What you enjoy doing
What you are best at doing
The easiest to implement
Gives you the greatest return on what you think is important (you mentioned income, so that would be one of the factors).

2. BUILD YOUR EXPERTISE

Figuring out what you want to work on is going to give you a clue about some areas for you to build “mastery” so you are known as knowledgeable/expert in that space.

Start reading and researching as much as you can about this topic.
Talk to people who are already experts in it.
Join an organization or participate in a project on this subject.
Take on tasks or assignments related to this area. Volunteer for them if you have to.

3. ONE STEP AT A TIME

If your idea is complex, take one step at a time toward making it a reality. Pick an action from the above and start. Set some goals for yourself as to where you want to be when. Find an accountability partner with whom you can share what you want to do and have them regularly ask you questions and encourage your progress. Ask them not to let you give them any excuses.

“Spend some quiet time and some time talking to people so you can get very clear on what living your potential looks like for you.”

Tamika, when you picture living your potential, what are you doing? Spend some quiet time and some time talking to people so you can get very clear on what that looks like for you. When you see it, you’ll be able to take the steps to make it happen.

Its not an abstract, it is a process. Let me know what you come up with.

Wishing you all the best!

Rania

Do you have a career or business question you need answered? Please email me your question:[email protected]. You can also tweet to me @TheWayWomenWork.

Because of the volume of questions we receive, we may not be able to answer each one but will do our best to get to as many as we can and will respond to you privately. We only share questions anonymously and Rania’s responses with your permission.