Preparation is key when it comes to setting yourself up for success and the sooner you start, the better. For most people, their 20s are marked by lots of changes that help them get to know who they are and what they want from life.\
We’ve got 5 questions that we believe will help you establish a mindset geared for success in your 30s and beyond. For those of you reading this who are already in your 30s or beyond, don’t worry — it’s never too late to seek clarity and take action on your answers.
Take Inventory in Support of Your Future Success
There are a number of good questions you might ask yourself to help strategize your next steps forward. The following are five of our favorites… and while there’s no right or wrong answer, being honest with yourself is the name of the game.
What am I passionate about?
This isn’t what you should be or wish you were passionate about. If you were raised by
two surgeons but the sight of blood grosses you out, grinning and bearing your way through medical school is a terrible idea, not just for you but for your future patients. Find your own path, even if it means disappointing those around you. Try not to pursue a path simply for financial gain either. Plenty of people have cultivated their passion into a lucrative career. At the end of the day, job satisfaction comes down to loving how the bulk of your time is spent. As Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Am I a good listener?
All too often, we listen in order to craft our next response; we’re not really listening, we’re simply anticipating our next move. Stephen R. Covey is correct in his assertion that, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Listening is a critical skill that will set you apart from those who are unable to focus and stay present during a conversation, whether in-person, over the phone or online. Keep these words by Diogenes in mind, “We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.”
Who do I invite into my circle?
By circle, we mean your network. Do you have a diverse group of people that you can count on for advice, education, and support? Successful people typically don’t exist in isolation; they know who to connect and collaborate with and do so on a regular basis. An African proverb sums up the importance of being a part of a close circle: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” That said, be particular about the people you allow into your orbit. You’ve probably heard that you’re the average of the five people who spend the most time with; we’re not entirely convinced of that; however, the point is valid. Make yours a strong circle by choosing like-minded, driven individuals to emulate and learn from.
Where is my money going?
Knowing your bottom-line and budgeting accordingly is an invaluable skill to master. Responsible spending and strategic saving are financial goals everyone should embrace for a healthier financial future. Setting aside funds for a rainy day is one thing; having a savings account to support certain goals and milestones gives that rainy day a more definitive look.
When am I at my best?
This question really concerns work-life balance, for which stress management is critical. Figure out ASAP how to manage stress in a healthy and productive way in order to bring your A-game to your professional pursuits, as well as your personal relationships. Like most things, this will involve some trial and error, but you’ll know sooner than later the value of exercise, meditation or coffee with a close friend with respect to recharging your batteries. Find what works for you and make it part of your routine.
What questions do you ask yourself when you need personal or professional insight? Share them with us on social media!
