Whether you’re just entering the workforce, looking to get ahead or simply feel stuck in a rut, here’s some advice for using your brain—all of it—to make the most of what you do, day in and day out.
1. Where do you fit? Find the clues in your thinking.
Think about the subject you did best in—the one you really excelled in, that was easy and fun, and always held your attention. Now think about the subject you did the worst in, the one you dreaded.
Now contemplate trying to get a PhD in both.
It isn't that you couldn't, but you would obviously get your doctorate in one of them sooner, more easily, and at a higher level of academic achievement.
Because thinking preferences impact what you’re most interested in—the kinds of activities you enjoy the most—people tend to gravitate towards and excel in occupations that allow them to exercise those preferences.
And although we’re talking about preferences, not competencies, there is usually a correlation between the two. After all, if you find these activities highly stimulating, you’ll likely look for every opportunity to spend your time and focus on them, and as a result, you’ll build up strong competencies in these areas.
The fields and functions that align most closely with your preferences will ultimately be the most fulfilling, and you’ll be well equipped to succeed in them. They’ll make you feel energized, engaged and motivated. They won’t necessarily be easy, but you’ll be up for the challenge.
2. Align when you can, but realize perfect alignment is rare.
Particularly if you’re just starting out, you may not be able to find work that fits within the “sweet spot” of your preferences. And even if you do, it’s almost certain there will be some tasks that require you to engage in the kinds of thinking you actively avoid.
The good news is, you have access to your entire brain, not just the areas you prefer. It’s going to take more energy and skill to get through those tasks, but with effort and motivation, you can stretch your thinking and succeed outside your comfort zone.
If possible, work with your manager on ways to rethink the tasks or come up with potential job aids, training and coaching to help. You might even find you’re pretty good at some of the tasks you hate!
3. Look for the gift in the stretch.
Career progression and work opportunities bring a full range of competency options into view, and as part of this process, many people realize that though they have performed well at certain tasks and jobs, they didn’t really like them.
That discovery can have a profound impact on the direction you take in your career and life—if you pay conscious attention to it. Misalignment early in your career can be a gift that helps you figure out what your fit really is.
4. Don’t look just to your job to fulfill your sense of satisfaction.
When you align your passion with what you do, you’ll have more energy and feel more fulfilled in your life. That doesn’t mean your only option is to find it in your work. If today’s job doesn’t make your heart sing, find a way to bring more of those activities into your life and to guide your thinking about the future.
The learning process doesn’t end after graduation. Fortunately, the best tool to help you continually grow and succeed is always with you: your whole brain. Don’t waste a bit of it!
Looking for more? In this brief video learning segment, Ann Herrmann-Nehdi shares some tips for anyone who is looking to use their head to get ahead.
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