Goal Post – The gratification of having an alternative

We all have lofty goals that we set out to achieve. People use vision boards among other tactics to keep their dreams alive and moving forward. The motivation to reach the end of a project is quite difficult. Many quit mid-stream while others quietly push forward often making little headway. We all think it is about the race when it is about crossing the final hurdle to the finish.  Finishing is gratifying to the long-suffering individual who set out on the journey.

Let’s face it, with every goal set there is a fear of not being able to rise to the occasion.  Many people who have long-term careers are usually afraid of change. Some have a passion for their industry, while others get into a comfortable routine that is predictable. These workers are generally not open to improving their skill set making them vulnerable should a sudden shift in operating procedures occur. For many, the goal is to get to the age of retirement unscathed. While working their way to the top of their pay grade and beyond is the prize for others.

Everyone should have an alternative plan or goals. How does not having a robust plan B affect your life? I believe Sears, Toys-R-Us, K-mart, some Sam’s Club branches as well as Payless Shoe Source, Inc. closed down because their business models are obsolete making them unable to compete. Some such as Sears have been losing money for years.  Three have filed bankruptcies where they were never able to recover.  Other such as Sam’s Club and Children’s Place are turning to the warehouse delivery model of Amazon. In the wake of these closures, the companies leave thousands of workers unprepared to be competitive in the labor market.

People forget to use what they know as a means to generate a new career. Many don’t get over the shock of being let go; while others hit the ground running to replace the income to salvage their lifestyle. Most will apply for work with competitors and hope to get hired. In today’s job market, only individuals with the strongest skill-set reap the reward. It is a scary venture to look for a new job or career after years even decades with one company.

We can all find new success. I too decided to take the plunge in a different direction. Of course, I continue to use the full range of my skill-set to get my writing career off the ground. Sure, I work a bit harder in my new capacity as owner, editor, and publisher of articles, books and the books of others. You can probably relate because most people who work for others give all of themselves to make a good impression. We all want recognition. There is gratification in having an alternative as I talk about in my summer release Chapter Two – Unlocking the Hero Within.