Glenford Smith | Get rid of the mindset of resistance

QUESTION: I was recently told by my supervisor that the skill set required for, and used on, my current job are not transferable to any other job or career path. The statement is rather disturbing as efforts to extend myself and learn from other departments, prior to the discourse, have been met with varying levels of resistance. What do you advise?

- Confused

CAREERS: Thank you for your question. I assume you have discussed what career path your supervisor is referring to. Also, you and your supervisor must discuss your skills and what area of the job they are suited for so that you can understand what he or she is talking about for yourself. In addition, here are the things to bear in mind.

While taking your supervisor's advice into account, you must think about it for yourself. While well meaning, your supervisor's opinion is just that - his or her own opinion. That should never substitute for your own judgement. After all, you know your career objectives and you should be able to say whether a certain path can take you there.

Every effort should be made to extend yourself beyond your current department to a wider scope of learning. Opportunities must be sought and capitalised upon. That is how you catapult yourself from your current position.

I do not doubt that you are being met with varying degrees of resistance. The thing to do is to see these as just another challenge to overcome. Do not buy into the mindset of resistance. Do not look at or think of it as resistance as this will have the effect of leaving you frustrated and stuck in your thinking. Think of it as a challenge.

Your mind will experience the freedom and playfulness which will allow you to see possibilities where there once was just frustration.

you can be anything you want

You must know that you can become almost anything you want. If you are willing to work hard over the long term, there are few things you cannot attain. Your current skill set might not be able to take you to your goal. If so, do not hesitate to attend a school where you can get the requisite training.

You might have to attend school after work hours, or take an online course. No matter, do what you have to do. You need to give your supervisor's words due consideration. Talk it over with him or her to get a feel for why they feel that way.

In addition, talk it over with an experienced friend or a qualified counsellor. Discuss your career goals and objectives with him or her. Raise the qualification required for the major goals and training options available to you. You may find that you will need to start saving or look for funding for further training,

Of utmost importance is that you get out of the mindset of resistance that you seem to be in. Start by adopting a more positive posture towards what you regard as a bother. It will start to get you out of that conflicted state that you are in.

Change your thinking toward the situation and select from among the suggestions given above. All the best to you.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist. He is the author of 'From Problems to Power' and co-author of 'Profile of Excellence'. glenfordsmith@yahoo.com