I wanted to be a political science professor, but I hated doing the research.
I wanted to be a political science professor, and I hated doing the research, and I found a new career that allowed me to do what I loved the most–helping people learn new things.
Do you see the subtle difference between the “but” and the two “ands”?
But is an ending. A reason why you can’t do the first thing. It’s finished. I wanted to do this, but I can’t do it, so it’s over.
And gives more possibilities.
When you’re confronted with something negative in your career, think of an “and” instead of a “but.”
“I wanted to be promoted to Director, but Jane got the job.”
Okay, what’s the and?
“I wanted to be promoted to Director and Jane got the job and
- I asked my boss what skills I lacked
- I took went to a seminar on succeeding in HR
- I started looking for a new job outside the company
- I started studying for my SPHR
The possibilities are endless when you approach with an and instead of a but. There will be a lot of roadblocks in your career. A lot of times when you’re tempted to just say “but!” and sit down and quit. You don’t have to. You can and your way to success instead.
I’m not trying to be glib or suggesting that just saying “and” will make new opportunities appear. I’m saying that you look for “ands” and you will find them.
You don’t even have to have a but to do that.
I got laid off and…
I hate my boss and…
I suck at analytics and…
Just figure out what your and is and take control of your own life.
You can’t control the buts, but you can control the ands. There’s always an and available to you, should you choose to take it.
Image by Sookyung An from Pixabay