Too many people do what is necessary to make a living in life but don't have a genuine enthusiasm for what they do. Changing careers to do something different can bring a sense of personal accomplishment and pride that really boosts personal satisfaction and productivity.

Howard Lester, Chairman & CEO shows why it's important to have a career that one has a true enthusiasm for and how that makes a difference not only in one's personal life but in business as well.

Summary

1. Too often, people while away the days doing what is necessary, without ever being truly happy.

2. At some point during their careers, it's important for people to assess what they really want to do and how they can make a difference.

3. Sometimes, this might mean striking out in an entirely different direction.

4. When people do the things they love doing, they have a greater chance at being successful at what they're doing.

Ideas for action

1. During your next lunch break, think about your current job and make notes about your likes and dislikes. Rate your satisfaction level on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being extremely satisfied. If the score is lower than 7, consider exploring new opportunities.

2. Over dinner, talk with members of your immediate family or with friends. Ask them how satisfied you appear to be with your current position and why. If the consensus is that you are unhappy, solicit opinions for why this might be and what can be done to fix the situation.

3. This week, talk with your manager about the strengths he or she sees in you. Do these strengths match the things you enjoy doing? If not, discuss ways in which your position might be changed to refocus your responsibilities so that things you enjoy doing become a greater part of your daily activities.

4. As employee wanting to change jobs, create a list of skills the new position might require. Identify those skills already possessed, and for those not yet obtained, set up a course of action, including plans for formalized training or education, to gain those skills.

5. As a manager, look for signs of job dissatisfaction among staff members. During one-on-one meetings, make a point to discuss overall job satisfaction and individual career goals. Work with employees to make sure they get the opportunities to do the things they enjoy most.

Questions to ask

1. Is it possible to be successful in a position in which an individual is unhappy?

2. Why are people who do what they love more successful than people who don't?

3. When a person stays in a job he or she doesn't enjoy, what are the effects on the individual? On that individual's colleagues? On that individual's family?

4. What are the possible financial implications of having people in jobs that they do not enjoy?

5. What is the maximum amount of a time a person should stay in a job at which he or she is unhappy?

These video lessons are provided by Fifty Lessons. For more video lessons from leading entrepreneurs and executives, visit Cwerty.com Fifty Lesson’s website for aspiring entrepreneurs and managers.

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