Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life

Age-30 Transition and the Developing 30s

 Do you feel confused, sluggish, and dissatisfied? Does the desire to try new things take precedence over safety needs? Are you between18 to 34?

If so, you may be experiencing the Age-30 Transition. My research described in award winning Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life redefines life career advancement, and shows how to navigate lifelong career decision making https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

During the Age-30 Transition, many realize they have ignored important needs and interests. Now, new choices must be made and commitments altered or deepened.

At a recent book signing, Rick, 28, a computer engineer shared his story. He chose the computer field because the “money was good.” Now he “wants to do and be something more!” He feels that his life no longer has meaning.

Rick is also discovering a change in how he looks at time. He is aware that life is finite. Death is still just an abstract concept. New experiences are waiting! Rick decided to enter police training/

Women face an even more turbulent time than men during this transition. The “biological clock” increases pressures they face about when and if they want a family. Beverly, a music teacher in her 20s, decided to take time off at 31 to have a child and teach piano at home for the next few years.

During reappraisal at this time, many young adults shift values, priorities, and goals. They become more self-aware, and place higher value on quality of life. Job satisfaction becomes more important than climbing the ladder or higher wages.

Are you experiencing this Age-30 Transition or the Age-30 Developmental Period?

If so, refer to Questers Dare to Change for suggestions on moving forward.

Carole Kanchier, PhD

carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

3 Tips for Creating Good Work Habits

1. Present a professional, confident image. Consider others’ feelings. Be respectful and considerate to everyone. Practice such basic courtesies as returning messages promptly, leaving concise voice mail messages, sending hand written thank you notes and greeting people when entering an office.
2. Value others’ opinions. Listen when they speak. Offer your opinion after people have spoken. Ask questions when you’re not clear about something. Summarize what you hear people say to correct misunderstandings. Let others know you hear what they’re feeling but not saying

3. Let others know you appreciate their efforts or accomplishmnts. Feedback and praise are most effective when offered immediately and linked to specific activities, products or attributes.

Review the many suggestions offered in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life which redefines lifelong career decisions making. Paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and worked with clients representing many disciplines. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

How to Create Good Work Habits

Are your work habits holding you back? Are you aware of your bad habits? Are you settling for less than your best?

Habits are acquired behavior patterns regularly followed until they become involuntary. You may not be aware of some habits because they’re made without thinking. However, superiors and clients will catch them.

Spring is perfect time to make changes that will advance your career. Here are common bad habits and tips on how to eliminate them.

Create good habits from bad habits

– Bad habit – Abusing time  

Good habit:  Manage time. Get up an hour earlier to think and plan. Review daily work activities to identify self-defeating habits such as underestimating time needed for tasks. Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks. Don’t try to do too much at once. Break big jobs into smaller, manageable tasks. Allow for the unexpected. Consult your schedule often and re-prioritize tasks as necessary to ensure you deliver on commitments.

– Bad habit – Fearing failure

Good habit: View mistakes as opportunities. Failure is a powerful teacher. Learn the lesson.  Ask yourself: “Why did the mistake occur?” “What elements were responsible?” “How can I avoid similar mistakes in the future?” If you make the same mistake twice, put the lesson in writing. Place the questions and answers where you’ll be reminded not to repeat steps which led to the error.  Measure success by how quickly you recover from mistakes. If you accept setbacks, you’ll continue to grow.

– Bad habit –  Criticizing co-workers

Good habit:: When you give colleagues feedback, be constructive. Offer suggestions. Don’t hover or nitpick. Resist the urge to offer advice on non-essential matters.

– Bad habit – Staying in a rut

Good habit:  Reevaluate your career goals and progress. Can your current position help you attain desired goals? If not, think of other more satisfying possibilities. Explore options in your company and field as well as different fields. Consider moving down the corporate ladder. Explore lateral positions or creatively redesign your job. Think about self employment, relocating and retraining. Devise a plan for attaining your goal.

– Bad habit – Adhering to old notions of career advancement

Good habit:: Reevaluate your definition of career development. View career growth as a lifelong process of personal and professional development — a continuing quest to maintain harmony between who you are and what you do.  Select an occupation that is congruent with your personal qualities rather than to please others or for the myth of security.

– Bad habit –  Failing to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Good habit:: Find time for yourself. Work is just one component of a happy and productive life. Identify activities that would bring peace and satisfaction to your life (relationship, hobby, spiritual practices or volunteer activity). Reward your successes.

– Bad habit – Using company computer for personal matters
Good habit:  Work on personal projects at home or during the lunch hour. Focus on tasks for which you get paid during business hours.

– Bad habit – Sending useless e-mails

Good habit:: Send relevant information only and ensure that the message content is clear. Verify each message answers the “5 Ws” (who, what, when, where, why).

– Bad habit – Practicing poor business etiquette

Good habit: Present a professional, confident image. Consider others’ feelings. Be respectful and considerate to everyone. Practice such basic courtesies as returning messages promptly, leaving concise voice mail messages, sending hand written thank you notes and greeting people when entering an office.

– Bad habit – Interrupting others

Good habit:: Value others’ opinions. Listen when they speak. Offer your opinion after people have spoken. Ask questions when you’re not clear about something. Summarize what you hear people say to correct misunderstandings. Let others know you hear what they’re feeling but not saying.

– Bad habit – Failing to give feedback and recognition

Good habit:: Let others know you appreciate their efforts or accomplishments. Feedback and praise are most effective when offered immediately and linked to specific activities, products or attributes.

– Bad habit – Abusing company expense accounts
Good habit:  Apply the same smart frugality that you use in your personal life to business expenses.  Save the company money and you will be recognized for it.

– Bad habit – Being impatient with clients

Good habit:: Value customer service. List reasons why customers are important to the business. Take a refresher course in customer service offered by your company or local college.

– Bad habit – Stealing company products

Good habit:: Don’t take products such as office supplies that belong to the organization for business uses. It’s unlawful, and can cost your professional reputation.

Recognize and break poor habits

List habits that are hampering your career advancement. Ask superiors and colleagues for feedback. (Examples include: not following through on promises, not meeting deadlines, not being a team member, not being flexible, not managing conflict, and sharing personal information.

Each week, replace a bad habit with a more productive behavior. Describe how the good habit will advance your career. Observe successful people. Read. With practice, each new activity will become easier, more automatic. Stay positive, focused. Persist.

Review the many suggestions offered in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life which redefines lifelong career decisions making. Paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and worked with clients representing many disciplines. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Millennials and the Age-30 Transition

 Are you a millennial between ages 18 to 34? Are wondering what to do with your life?

If so, you may be experiencing the Age-30 transition. This transition from late adolescence to adulthood, is extending in length due to changing economic, technological and societal uncertainties.

During this critical period, you assess who you are and what you want to do. You can now think in abstract terms, look at reality from many angles, and consider the implications of your decisions. You may also look at time differently.  You become aware that life is finite, but you still have time to do it all!

In North America, you are given permission to take time out, delay commitments. You experiment with romantic attractions, work at odd jobs, or try different courses in your first years at college. Adult responsibilities are put on hold so that you can feel free to experiment, explore. Flexible and inner-directed, you may be unlikely to subscribe to authoritarian values.

Ellen studied law because her parents were lawyers, but learned that she had no interest in working in the field. So she too time out to travel, to rethink the direction of her life. Ellen returned from her moratorium with greater self-understanding, and renewed confidence and energy to pursue her self determined career choice, public health nursing.

Recent Census data in both Canada and the U.S. show that 30-year olds today, as compared to those aged-30 in 1975, are less likely to have hit many milestones that have defined adulthood in past decades.

In 1975, the majority of 30-year-olds were working, married, living away from their parents, and had a child. Now millennials, between ages 18 to 34, are living more like the adolescents of the 1970s and earlier. Many are living at home with parents.

Millennials are delaying marriage and family longer than previous generations. Many say they don’t want children. The birth rate for women in their 20s is the slowest of any generation of young women in U.S. history. Perhaps because of their slow journey to marriage, millennials lead all generations in their share of out-of-wedlock births. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, in 2012, 47 percent of births to women in the millennial generation were non-marital, compared with 21 percent among older women. Some of this gap reflects a lifecycle effect—older women have always been less likely to give birth outside of marriage. But the gap is also driven by a shift in behaviors in recent decades.

The Pew survey also reports many millennials are relatively unattached to organized politics and religion. Linked by social media, burdened by student debt, poverty and unemployment, they are in no rush to marry. Those with lower levels of income and education, lack what they deem to be a necessary prerequisite to marriage – a solid economic foundation.

Liberalism is apparent in millenials’ views on a range of social issues such as same-sex marriage, interracial marriage and marijuana legalization. However, their views on other social issues, including abortion and gun control, are not much different from those of older adults.

Millennials are also North America’s most racially diverse generation, a trend driven by large waves of Hispanic and Asian immigrants who have been coming to North America for the past half century.

Despite their financial burdens, millennials tend to be economic optimists. The Pew survey reports that more than eight-in-ten say they either currently have enough money to lead the lives they want, or expect to live in the future. Some of this optimism may reflect the timeless confidence of youth.

Millennials are less likely than older generations to be affiliated with any religion. However, the majority believe that God exists.

The road ahead for millennials is exhilarating, conflicting, and sometimes overwhelming. The major psychological tasks of this generation, according to Erik Erikson, pioneer of life cycle theory and identity development, is attaining a mature identity. This requires exploring several options before choosing among life’s alternatives; and then committing to choices, at least for a while.

Managing the Age-30 Transition

If you are experiencing the Age-30 Transition, ask yourself:

– What is my dream job?

– What needs and values do I want to express in this job?

– What skills do I want to use?

– What job tasks do I want to perform?

– How much responsibility do I want (senior management, good team contributor)

– What is my ideal salary?

– Where would I like to work (downtown in a large city, rural community, in my home)

– Where can I get additional information about my career and lifestyle options?

To learn more about your desired career and lifestyle options, conduct research. Public libraries, educational institutions, private organizations, the internet, and informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest are good places to start.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, is full of real life examples, quizzes and guidelines that show how to make wise life career decisions at age-30 and throughout life. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog

A complementary copy of chapter 1, Questers Dare to Change, is available from Dr. Kanchier’s web site: www.questersdaretochange.com

Dr. Carole Kanchier is a best selling, internationally recognized author and columnist, registered psychologist and coach. Carole Kanchier informs, inspires, and challenges adults to realize their potential. In her acclaimed book, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, Kanchier encourages people to review their views of career success, and strengthen Quester traits such as purpose, intuition, and resilience to succeed. Dr. Kanchier chaired the Career Change Committee, National Career Development Association, taught at University of California Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Her columns have been syndicated by World Wide Media, CanWest Newswire and numerous print and digital publications.  She has been a guest on varied North American media broadcasts.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochangc.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Where Are You in the Career and Life Cycles?

 Do you feel restless? Are you wondering what to do with the rest of your life?

My research on occupational change, described in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, suggest growing adults experience cycles of discontent every five to ten years with the average cycle occurring every 7.5 years. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Although we all have our own rhythms of change, we generally proceed through alternating developmental and transition periods. Transitions, which generally begin during late adolescence and occur every decade following are times for questioning who we are and where we want to go. During developmental periods we make commitments to and work toward desired goals.

Simultaneously, we experience the career cycle of entry, mastery, and disengagement. During entry, we enthusiastically learn new tasks. In mastery, we’re confident and productive. If our work is no longer challenging, we lose enthusiasm, productivity, and confidence. This disengagement stage of the occupational cycle tends to parallel life cycle transitions.

Individuals, who feel they’re no longer deriving desired rewards, may change jobs. Al, 40, was bored with his systems analyst job. Few job perks, parenthood, and the death of his mother, precipitated reevaluation of goals. Al decided to pursue his passion, farming.

Some adults stay with the same job, but create new challenges. Eva, a retail manager, always finds new ways of improving productivity.

Traumatic experiences such as illness tend to precipitate reevaluation. When Mark, a fast track executive, was 30, a series of jolts including political hassles and serious illness forced him to reassess goals. He decided to establish his business.

With an average life expectancy of about 83-85 and growing older, it’s possible to change positions or create new challenges at 40, 70, or older, and still have years of happiness. Recently widowed, Elva started her first full-time bookkeeping position, at 88.

Are you experiencing a transition?

Answer yes or no. I: 1) don’t have a sense of purpose; 2) am often bored; 3) don’t feel productive; 4) don’t have an relationship; 5) often think of quitting; 6) have few growth opportunities at work; 7) can’t attain desired goals with current employer; 8) am not in good physical shape; 9) don’t have a healthy lifestyle; 10) have a birthday within two or three years of 0.

Six or more yes responses suggest you may in a disengagement stage of your career cycle, and a life cycle transition stage.

Take charge

Take advantage of growth opportunities your transition provides. Reassess goals and make needed modifications or take time out. You’ll emerge a more mature, satisfied, integrated adult.

Having realistic expectations about impending crises and transitions can help you ease the stress and pain of their arrival. The following provides an overview of the career and life stages and the major challenges growing people experience throughout life.

 Career and Life Stages

The Beginning Career

Late adolescence, which usually occurs from ages 18 to 24 or older, is a critical period. Many decisions we make about career and life goals will affect our growth potential during adulthood. Trying on different roles, adolescents struggle to assess appropriate.

The Beginning Career Advances during the Age-20 Developmental Period, when a person’s first full-time job is assumed. Needs for expansion, career mastery and self-motivation prevail. Little self-evaluation occurs. Lifelong patterns may be established.

The Developing Career

The Age-30 Transition (approximately ages 28–33) marks the beginning of the developing career. Values, priorities, and goals shift; a more balanced life is valued. Short- and long-range goals are pursued. Productivity, fulfillment, excitement and creativity are enjoyed. Occupational and/or job changes may occur.

 The Maturing Career

Age-40 Transition (approximately ages 37–45) marks the beginning of the Age-40 Developmental Period. Need for job satisfaction heightens. Creative leadership peaks, and interest in guiding the young blossoms.

The Strengthening Career           

The Age-50 Transition (approximately ages 48–53 is the beginning fp this stage),During the Age–50 Developmental Period needs for job satisfaction and a balanced life deepen.  Innovative leadership and mentoring activities continue.

The Continuing Career

After The Age-60 Transition (approximately ages 58-63), The Continuing Career flourishes (Age 60 Developmental Period) Career options (including retirement) are explored and evaluated. Continuing opportunities for purpose, meaning, direction, and growth are identified and pursued. Another occupational cycle is completed.

The Flourishing Career

Age-70 Transition (approximately ages 68–73) marks the beginning of the Age-70 Developmental Period.

Decisions to continue paid employment, engage in volunteer activities, or pursue a more leisurely lifestyle are contemplated.

Choices are made and plans implemented to pursue activities that offer opportunities for continuing purpose, meaning, and growth.

The Enriching Career

Age-80 Transition proceeds  the Age-80 Developmental Period. Numerous inspiring stories of Questers in their 80’s continue to learn and grow cognitively, emotionally and physically. They advance their life careers by making contributions to humankind. Barbara McLintock won the Nobel Prize at 81, continuing her research until her death at 90.  Decisions to continue paid employment, engage in volunteer activities, or pursue a more leisurely lifestyle are contemplated. Choices are made and plans implemented to pursue activities that offer opportunities for continuing purpose, meaning, and growth.

The Enduring Career

Many outstanding people did not reach their prime until long after their 80s. Age-90 Developmental Period marks the initiation of the  Age-90 Transition.  After retiring retired from his university teaching position, Peter continues to focus on additional research, writing and serving as a Rotarian.

Questers who have weathered the Age-90 and earlier transitions are adaptive, authentic, whole and possess most other Quester traits. Their wealth of experience, knowledge and practical skills can teach younger generations a great deal about life if they take the time to watch, listen, ask, and respect. Dr Helen Flanders Dunbar, psychoanalyst, and pioneer in psychosomatic medicine at Columbia University called people in their 90’s “nimble nonagenarians”  They have a strong survival instinct and terrific sense of humor

Actualizing Career

During The Age-100 Transition and the Age- 100 Developmental Period the Centenarians flourish. Quester centenarians, who are in the developmental period of their actualizing career, continue to be involved and productive. They are creative, authentic, healthy and wise. They are in control of their life careers.

The Centenarians continue to bloom during the Age-100 Transition and The Age-100 Developmental Period.  Decisions to continue paid employment, engage in volunteer activities, or pursue a more leisurely lifestyle are contemplated. Choices are made and plans implemented to pursue activities that offer opportunities for continuing purpose, meaning, and growth.

Constance Isherwood, British Columbia’s oldest practicing lawyer just celebrated her 100th birthday. “Keep working, you’ve got to keep at it… and keep smiling. You’ve got to have a positive attitude. Don’t let things get you down.  Dr. Euphgraim P. Englemn, University of California San Francisco’s longest tenured professor was going strong at 103. Jean Calment, the French actress, according to Guinness World Records she is oldest person who has lived. She survived two world wars, took fencing at age 85 was riding her bike at100. She died at 122.

 Would you like to make any changes in your attitudes and lifestyle to increase the chances you will live a long, healthy, productive life? Is there something you have always felt drawn to but have not yet pursued? Remember contemporary career development is a continuing quest to improve the fit between your evolving personality and developing career. Only you can establish your own rhythm of change. It is not too late!

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life provides information and guidelines that show how to realize your desired life. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog

I would be delighted to send a pdf version for review, and be available for a consultation. Sample interview questions are available.

Many thanks for sharing ways by which friends may change their lives for the better.

Carole Kanchier, PhD

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

   3 Tips #creating #luck at #work

–  Look upon something new as exciting — an opportunity to challenge ourselves and grow. If we don’t try, how will we ever find out if we can do it?

– Review beliefs you developed as a child.. Do admonitions like “Never question authority,” “Save for a rainy day,” apply today?

– Play mental games like “What if….” These require a willingness to think freely, so don’t close doors on ideas. Resist thinking, “Don’t be silly!” or “That’s stupid.”

Believe you have the ability to create luck.

Based on ongoing research, award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, redefines careers and shows how to create luck and navigate lifelong career decision making https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible ed; https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Please request pdf version for review. Sample interview questions are below.

Carole Kanchier, PhD

carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist,  speaker, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

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© Carole Kanchier, PhD

When we meet successful individuals, we may be tempted to envy them for their “luck.” This luck is often the result of being prepared when the opportunity presents itself. It also is the result of creating opportunities to make things happen.

While waiting in line for the shuttle to take me to my book signing at an International Book Fair in Chicago, I initiated a conversation with two men standing behind me; one was the Editor-in-Chief of a large Japanese publishing house. Armed with work samples and feeling confident and adventurous, I suggested that Japan might be ready for the ideas presented in my book, Dare to Change Your Job and Life.

After the event, I was again waiting in the shuttle line to return to the hotel when I noticed the Japanese men were directly behind me — reading my book. We all laughed. Tenshoku-ryoku, was launched in Japan nine months later. Was this luck? Coincidence? Destiny? Other? What does luck mean to you?

Luck is often referred to as coincidence, timing, serendipity, synchronicity, or good fortune as a result of chance. It’s an unexpected reconfiguration of events, or things that happen in surprising ways. Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” A myriad of opportunities won’t help unless you’re prepared to use them. Luck occurs when preparation meets opportunity. I was in the right place at the right time. But I also created my luck. I seized the opportunity when it was presented.

Although we can’t control luck, we can all influence luck by having positive attitudes, working hard, and taking advantage of good fortune. Welcome the unplanned, unexpected, and be flexible, open to new experiences. Don’t procrastinate. The window of opportunity may not last long.

Questers, described in Questers Dare to Change. have been risking for centuries. Publius Vergilius (Virgil), a classical Roman poet wrote, “Fortune sides with him who dares.” And Homer noted, “And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.”

Growth is about taking risks. We willingly take chances every day. Whether we drive, walk, or take public transportation to work, we risk getting into an accident. Every new venture has an element of risk. You can’t grow and succeed without stretching, risking, and making mistakes.

What separates Questers from others is their willingness to take optional as well as necessary risks. For example, if you have an okay job and are suddenly offered another job with more responsibility and a significant salary increase would you take it?

There are many risks to moving on. Will you like the new company, supervisors, and colleagues? What if you can’t handle the responsibility? And if you lose the job, could you find another. Is this risk worth taking for you? .

Security can never depend on outside things and circumstances. It comes from within. Is there security in staying with your present job? Could you lose it due to corporate downsizing? Could a new regional executive come in and change policies and procedures? Would you like these changes?

Luck is No Accident

The greatest risk is doing nothing. Change is the only certainty today. Taking advantage of new possibilities requires risk.

Why are people afraid to risk? It’s normal to fear risk. Some fear is good. It’s important to our survival, tells us when to proceed with caution.

Fear is a reassuring signal we’re about to stretch. But excessive fear stunts growth. Various personal fears and societal barriers impede change.

Personal blocks include fear of losing a secure income, fear that change will interfere with relationships, fear of failure, fear of what others will think, fear of losing control of people or power, fear of success, and uncertainty about what to do next.

Societal barriers to change include old notions of career, outdated retirement policies, the myth of security, blocks imposed by educational institutions, unions and professional associations, family ties, and organizational and government policies.

The intensity of the risk is in the eyes of the beholder. Adults weigh the odds and costs of risking differently. Their confidence levels, perceived probabilities of success, needs, values, and willingness to sacrifice and work hard, all play a part in determining how much they’re willing to risk.

 If you are used to taking risks, you will have developed an inner strength, a resiliency, an ability to cope in tough circumstances. People can’t grow without risk and change. Turtles can’t move forward without sticking out their necks. Humans can’t either.

By following the examples of purposeful, resilient Questers, you can develop courage to risk. Start by taking small risks daily. Questers offers risk taking tips, and shows how to minimize risky decisions.

Award winning Questers Dare to Change redefines career growth and shows how to take lifelong risks..  https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Review audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

Carole Kanchier, PhD

– Respect others and value their opinions.  Respect is a key ingredient in nourishing relationships and creating a just society. It requires trust, equality, empathy and connectedness in all kinds of relationships. Recognize the dignity, worth and humanity in all people.  Talk with colleagues. Listen to what they’re really saying.

– Listen attentively. Participate openly, receptivity. Practice the following active listening skills:

Clarify. Ask questions when you’re not clear about something.

Reflect content. Summarize what you hear the person say to correct misunderstandings.

Reflect feelings. Let the person know you hear the emotional content. Listen between the lines. What’s the person feeling but not saying? Try empathy. “If I were experiencing that I would feel sad.”

– Assert yourself. Stand up for your rights in a friendly way. State your perceptions, share thoughts and feelings, and make your needs and desires clear. Stick to facts. Avoid words like “always” and “never’

– Recognize individual differences. Gender, cultural background, birth place, occupation, learning preferences and personality types are just a few factors contributing to different communication styles. Recognizing  and respecting differences can reduce misunderstanding, frustration and resentment.

– Offer Feedback and recognition. Feedback, praise and support are necessary to evaluate performance, achieve feelings of accomplishment, confidence and self reliance, and enhance productivity. Let others know you appreciate their efforts or achievements. Praise is most effective when it’s linked to a specific activity or qualithy

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life offer additional tips for enhancing communication and other work skills. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.  

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change. Carole Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and conducts varied seminars on career and empowerment issues. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com