Apples and Atoms<\/p>\n
Michael Riggs, M.Ed.<\/p>\n
What do apples, the earth, atoms and Abraham Lincoln have in common?<\/p>\n
Each has an axis that all of its activities revolve around. Each has a clearly defined center point that acts as a fulcrum from which its power and energy move out from. Each has a core from which, and to which, it can trace its sustenance.<\/p>\n
The apple\u2019s core maintains and houses its source of regeneration; its seeds. The earth\u2019s core is the oven and recycling center of all the matter that we build, walk, drive, climb, and live upon. The atom\u2019s core, its nucleus, is the great-sticky-balancer that sustains its electrons as they hurl and swirl in patterns of perfect equilibrium. Mr. Lincoln\u2019s core was his formidable character and unwavering commitment to developing a society that realized freedom for all people \u2013 regardless of color. Materially speaking, a core is the point of emanation of a beginning. For people, it is the foundation of all of their thought and action. It is what makes us what we are.<\/p>\n
When you consider your professional life, what do you see as your core? What are the core beliefs that direct, motivate, and cause you to think and act in the ways you do? Are your core beliefs ones that help guide you to use your gifts and talents to make your company, family, community, and world a better place? Or, do your core values direct you to be self-seeking and protective?<\/p>\n
Core beliefs are not reserved for the rich, influential, and fortunate. Regardless of state or stature, we all possess core beliefs. Core beliefs come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Samples of core beliefs may include:<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201call life should be respected,\u201d<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cyou get what you deserve,\u201d<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cmoney makes the world go \u2018round,\u201d<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cmaterialism is good,\u201d<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cequality is attainable,\u201d<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cperfection is impossible to achieve,\u201d and<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cwinning is all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Your core beliefs are what make you tick.\u00a0 And, they direct, often in a very \u201cback scenes\u201d way, all of your thoughts and behaviors as a professional. In essence, your core beliefs are the operating system that makes you function the way that you do.<\/p>\n
So, what does this have to do with improving the success and satisfaction you are experiencing in your professional life?<\/p>\n
Simply put, if you don\u2019t like what is happening in your professional life, it may be time for you to unearth your core beliefs and discover which ones are productive and which ones should be sent to the scrap heap. Choose a handful of core beliefs that you want to govern your career and be sure that all of your thoughts and actions are in accord with those beliefs.<\/p>\n
Develop yourself into a professional that you are proud of\u2026starting from the core.<\/p>\n
\u00a0S\u00b2 Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover your professional core beliefs and let them drive and direct your career. It may not be easy, but it will be very satisfying.<\/p>\n