BY RICK CHRISTENSEN, DIRECTOR, CAREER TRANSITION PRACTICE AT CAREER DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

Whether it is Jordan Spieth, LaBron James, Tom Brady or any other sports figure they never make 100% of their shots.

Jordan Spieth shanks a ball into the woods (not often, but it happens), LaBron James throws an “air ball” (again, not often), Tom Brady throws an interception (more often than he would like).  How do they recover so the next shot is perfectly placed?

I know personally when I shank the ball into the woods it affects the rest of the round. I get angry, throw clubs, curse and my next shot is even worse. What is the difference in my reaction to my bad shot compared to Jordan’s or LaBron’s or Tom’s? They can “shake it off”, they understand that the past has happened and they can’t control the past, but they understand what they can control – their reaction to the past and their future play. What lessons can we learn from these stories?

If you are currently going through career transition, you can’t control your past, you can’t undo your situation. Accepting that certain things are outside our control can be intimidating and stressful.  You have to adjust to your new reality, I won’t minimize how difficult this may be, and I’m not suggesting that any of your feelings are inappropriate, but understanding that you have control over your actions is the first step in moving forward.

Understand that you do have control over your future, you can set a plan to approach employers, you can develop a first-class, 21^st century resume, you can define your strengths, accomplishments and identify the problems that employers have and how you can help solve them. You don’t have to be paralyzed by past events beyond your control. You can be proactive and take control of your future.

In the words of Zig Zigler: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”  If you are in career transition you have been given a rare gift. You no longer have to be what you used to be.  Use this opportunity to identify the sources of your joy, look for options that will increase your joy at work.