Nearly all people are harbouring regrets about their rushing career choice and blaming lack of time for mistakes.
A survey of people aged between 21-65 showed that nine out of 10 people regret rushing their career choice, while almost as many regret hurrying financial decisions (87 percent).
On the flip side, a quarter of people feel guilty if they have spare time on their hands, while 70 percent of people think they are more pushed for time than they were three years ago – two factors that might contribute to making rushed life choices.
People become ‘hyper-vigilant’ when they are forced to make decisions in a rush. When our emotions become highly charged in this way, we are less able to weigh up alternatives and identify priorities.
“Failing to set aside time to plan important tasks and think about important life goals can lead to taking decisions which may have a long-term negative impact on your life. They can easily avoid this regret by investing a small amount of time regularly in considering your goals and prioritizing your tasks.” — David Lewis, a neuropsychologist and chairman of research at Mindlab International
Younger people are more likely to combat lousy time management with a to-do list. Half of those surveyed kept a to-do list, rising to 70 percent among 26-35-year-olds. The most popular time to tackle to-do lists is on a Saturday morning.
Making a list doesn’t necessarily mean tasks get completed quicker, however. The survey showed that it takes people nine weeks to get round to doing everything on their to-do list, while 44 percent said there are tasks every day that they never get done.
A fifth of people said that social media got in the way of doing daily tasks, the same amount that blamed a lack of motivation.
Not rushing career choice
People could improve productivity by setting realistic goals and prioritizing them regarding importance and urgency.
"Bear in mind that not every important task is urgent and that some urgent tasks may be of little real importance. Those tasks with the highest combination of urgency and importance should be tackled first. Those low in both can be left to last or dismissed.” — David Lewis
Many people do not have the clarity of knowing what they want to do after college. Thus many take the first opportunity. Today, more Americans have university degrees than ever before, with one-third holding a four-year degree. Most college graduates do not find employment in their field.
We often discuss and sometimes place blame on job market trends for how we fit into our changing world of work. However, what many people often fail to consider are the changes and fluctuations within us that can radically alter the course of our careers. Usually, this occurs after an extended time of feeling stuck, overwhelmed or burned out.
Moreover, instead of rushing into a career, take the time to let it find you. Your journey begins through self-exploration, travel, and immersive experiences. I know firsthand that life experiences can be the stepping stones that lead you to a career you are genuinely passionate about.
I encourage people to discover their micro motives and their behavioural DNA as a starting point to find out where they will find fulfilment.
Most successful entrepreneurs and individuals I have spoken to over the years did not make their career transformation because they were excited or happy. Their move came as they were in a place of frustration, annoyance, not feeling satisfied. They knew that they wanted something to change.
Listen to your inner voice to find your career. However, it is essential to be open to innovative ideas and directions. I like to think of this as a gradient ascent. The look for the best available opportunity to take you in the right direction, When you get there, your view will change, and you may chart a new path.
It would be best if you are willing to take chances regardless of where you are. Your career may find you by staying open to opportunities as they arise. Your career path will change as you do.
Insights About Your Behavioural DNA To Advance Your Career
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In a given role, the high-performers have a common subset of behaviours. Our talent analytics compares your talent stack — behavioural traits and competencies — with high performers. We show you how to leverage your unique talents to achieve career satisfaction and success.
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