Future Focus 2023 and Beyond

Future focus 2023 and Beyond

As someone who is fascinated by what lies ahead of us all, I like to frame my thinking with an optimistic perspective. I think there are high possibilities that the future might not be so great and yet I know that aspects of the past have been diabolical. So in many ways nothing has changed. 

Sam Altman wrote "A decade ago, the conventional wisdom was that AI would first impact physical labor, and then cognitive labor, and then maybe someday it could do creative work. It now looks like it’s going to go in the opposite order." So I have made use of Wordtune AI program to help me write this article and the image was created using Midjourney, an AI image creator. and the following statement with ChatGBT.

Staying positive about the future and maintaining optimism regarding our career plans is crucial for personal growth and success. Despite uncertainties, we can adopt a mindset that empowers us to navigate the unknown with confidence. To remain positive, it's important to focus on self-belief and embrace a proactive approach. Setting clear goals and developing a flexible strategy can help us adapt to unexpected twists and turns in our career paths. It's also essential to cultivate a resilient attitude, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of mentors, friends, and colleagues can provide encouragement and guidance. Additionally, staying updated with industry trends and acquiring new skills enhances our professional prospects. Celebrating small wins along the way and practicing gratitude for our achievements strengthens our positive outlook. By fostering a mindset of possibility and maintaining a proactive stance, we can embrace the future with optimism, confident in our ability to shape our career and seize opportunities that come our way.

Journal some ideas from the following questions:

What does personal growth and success mean to you?

Does your mindset hold you back? Write down you honest beliefs about yourself, both positive and negative so you can critically evaluate your beliefs as if you were an observer. 

Write down your short term goals (a few weeks ahead), mid term goals (a few months ahead), long term goals (a few years ahead). Do this quickly to capture immediate thinking and not over think things.

Who around you believes in you? Make a list and create specific times to meet with these people to help with managing a positive attitude toward the future.    

          

 

It's now 2022

Career planning #1

I've been reading up on Prof Mark Savikas career theories recently. He has some useful insights for understanding  the career development process as the evolution of three layers of the personal self. 

Working with students/graduates I put this into a relevant frame for them to understand. 

Begin studies as an actor

Encouraged to become an agent

Emerge as an author 

If a student continues on to postgraduate study they can cycle through this process again, or when starting a new a job the cycle continues. The cycle of education and career development consists of identifying goals, researching or learning about options, taking action, gaining experience, and reflecting on results. One starts out as an actor in the study or new job, become an agent when you know what you are doing, until you can become an author and direct the processes of your job /career. 

Write your next chapter yourself. Give yourself time to develop a vision of your future. Be in the driving seat of your career and be proactive. Employers benefit from helping you with your career development but you should be the one to direct it. Where do you want to go in the future and what do you want to be doing. 

Recycle through these processes throughout your life - actor, agent, author.

Career distraction #9

The changing world of work impacts on both employers and employees. Employers are grappling with the changing work model including an aging workforce, shrinkage of young people entering the workforce, huge technological changes, and of course, debt liquidation and economies come into play. What does all this mean for you? If employers are still unable to fill skill shortages, are you remaining ‘teachable’ going into your next/first role? Has your education encouraged you to be intellectually curious? Being intellectually curious and with a high degree of empathy can mean that you are well suited to learn for the rest of your life. Look for growing industries, organisations or companies that are innovative, entrepreneurial and take risks. This is where jobs are being created. Where do you fit?

Career distraction #8

In the age of global employment the idea of working virtually is a reality for many. Virtual or networked teams may be an option worth consideration. Consider in your area of expertise how this may work. Working independently with periodical face-to-face meetings will be a skill that you have practiced during your candidature. Have you been successful in forming professional relationships, coordinating activities and driving your project forward. Would you like to continue to work in this way? How flexible would you like your working hours to be? What have been your personal distractions and have you learnt to manage them?

Career distraction #7

Reflection helps to explore issues or ideas that are important. Reflection allows you to react to situations and consider what you have learnt and what you might do differently next time. Reflective writing will enable you to develop a personal philosophy. The target of reflection is practice and learning. 

The steps to effective reflection include: 

1. Finding understanding and awareness of yourself and others - through written or internal dialogue with self. 

2. Applying learning or addressing areas for improvement - using reflection to inform self-development. 

3. Re-evaluating and practicing new learning’s. Having a diary or journal is a useful way to reflect. Talking with a mentor can help this process. Reflecting comes easily to some while others need someone to reflect with.

Career distraction #6

How resilient are you? Resilient people succeed by staying focused, solving problems and moving forward. Consider a time that you faced adversity. How did you behave? What was your natural reaction? What skills did you use to recover or to regain your balance? Understanding how you recover and bounce back from life’s natural setbacks provides a framework for adapting more easily to change. Those who embrace change have more control. When we feel out of control we can miss opportunities to learn and grow from experience. Resilience can be practiced and there are ways forward so if you are feeling low and need some support, seek out professionals to help you. Small steps can help change your situation. Be your own best friend and be kind to yourself. 

Career Distraction #5

The end of the year is a good time to reflect!

Traditionally the New Year is a time when you look forward. Reflecting on the past year can be a useful strategy before heading onto goal setting. Go through each month and ask yourself, "what went well?" Think positive and happy thoughts as you complete this task. Make a list!
If you have difficulty with this list maybe you should seek some support?