ACT NOW!

Hello DreaMakers,

It's been 5 months since my last blog, "How to Get Your Foot in the Door!", and I have much to share with you about what happens once you make it in. To be frank, I’ve learned you must go in prepared to ACT, because once you’re in you’ve got a short window to make an impact and maintain your position.

In my earlier years, you could simply show an interest in a career or discipline with a “can do attitude” and someone would give you the chance to prove yourself over time. Today you will find there is more “can do attitudes” than opportunities period. Just a few short years ago, the Employees were calling all the shots, changing jobs every 3 years and demanding more money. Today the pendulum is swinging in favor of the Employer. They want double the return on their investment, and should you ponder whether or not your job is worth it, remember that while you are contemplating your next move, someone else is making theirs.

Furthermore, we are living in a generation that requires you to be adaptable, hardworking and a go getter. Nothing will be given, you must go after it. In fact, if you are sitting back waiting for someone to see your potential or compliment you on your past experience you might get passed over for the one who’s vocal and getting the job done.
Equally important to know, is these days a self-managed, self-directed employee is most attractive to employers because, they too must contribute to the marketplace with innovative ideas, cutting edge technologies and quality products and services. This requires them to outrun their competitors, quite like the settlers once did to claim their piece of land here in America.

Consequently, this ability to think differently is most difficult for the 40 plus generation. This entrepreneurial attitude is somewhat foreign to most of us who have been planning to work “smarter not harder” for the past 20 years. We have to get off our rusty dusty and learn a new way to run and compete. Even though we may be smart, talented and wise in our own eyes, it’s nothing for someone to say, “Yeah I know you have 25 years, but what else you got?” This is a harsh reality that many people face today, and while they deal with anxiety and health issues over this realization, if they don’t ACT, they may find themselves worse off than before.

In light of this reality staring us in the face, the question is what do we do? We find ourselves in uncharted territory, some not knowing where to start. Well, before you ACT remember these things:

1. There is nothing new under the sun Ecclesiastes 1:9,

2. We are a generation that knows how to make something out of nothing

3. We know what to do when we don’t know what to do

Moreover, we must conclude that how we succeed in life today, will secure our future tomorrow. Not what we did over 20 years ago. To stay relevant and ahead is to be prepared to ACT when the door opens. Being adaptable is key and networking without fail with those you most admire is a great strategy. Folks that are having a tough time right now might have a better outcome if they change their vantage point.

We can all become paralyzed if we over analyze our situation. Keep your footing by sticking to the basics and remembering this framework based on the Smitty Methodology. Spend time analyzing after you’ve done your research then get your plan and execute. You are sure to have a different outcome if you ACT NOW!
Smitty Methodology

a.) Decide what you want to do,
b.) Research,
c.) Plan, and
d.) Execute.

  Tangil Smith