Are You Scared? Size Matters!

"Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that's the one that is going to require the most from you." 

- Caroline Myss, best-selling author, speaker and medical intuitive. 

It seems we have a recurring theme about goal setting!

Particularly for those of us looking to create our ideal life after graduate school, and even for those of us who create our ideal life everyday (BRAVO!!), the recent articles and quotes we've seen help provide direction and motivation.

For realistic implementation tips, especially if you are looking to advance your career during or after graduate school, check out your local career center or ask business leaders within your network for advice and guidance. They may further direct you to their own gurus and mentors for guidance or help networking! SCORE!

While navigating the job hunt, one thing I have certainly found to be true - time and time again - is a genuine interest among people to help. Others, such as faculty, business leaders and mentors, truly desire to give back. Seize opportunities to gain from any gurus', experts', busboys', and friends' inevitable tales of career glories and glooms, and listen to their mistakes. Use that wisdom to set (and bulldoze through) the BHAG's of your own career path!

One more thing to consider... To create balance and a snowball of success and motivation for yourself, think about setting goals in all aspects of your life. When you are inspired and invigorated in one area, it will inevitably dribble into the others, spurring you ahead to conquer every lofty, heart-palpitating, "eek!" goal. Who doesn't want that for themselves!?

In short, choose that which scares you! Dream BIG! If you fail, it's ok! Failure in an endeavor does not equate failure as a person, and people do not expect perfection. Being flawed and being equipped with any such experiences in your pocket, you will still forge ahead as a better person, a better friend, and a better leader. You will relate to others and motivate them to reach for the "impossible." After all, you did it, and look how far you've come!

GO, THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING YOU! Tips for Career Growth from HLN's SCOT SAFON!

In case you are not aware, Mr. Scot Safon is Executive Vice President, CNN Worldwide/General Manager, HLN (Headline News), where he is responsible for the management of the HLN television network. Not only is he a distinguished business leader locally and globally, but he is renowned for being a dynamic, engaging, spellbinding speaker, and he did not disappoint!

Recently, Mr. Safon spoke at the 2012 AMA Collegiate Conference, and both his persona and presentation were captivating! He shared the remarkable story of his career path, which started with a dream of creating movie posters! Through the twists and turns, Mr. Safon stayed true to himself, his goals, his passion and just went for it - one wild opportunity after another! No one, not even the Long Island Native himself, could ever have imagined that the pursuit of his passions and his curiosity for life would lead him towards an illustrious career at a news network in Atlanta, GA!

As he wove the unusual story of how his career unfolded for the attendees, here is the advice he shared:

Know How To Write.
Whether it's technical, persuasive or trade writings, know how to write. Be concise and well-rounded. Familiarize yourself with all sorts of media and be able to decipher what is appropriate for each specific medium. Consider your audience and know how to communicate effectively. Know when to use industry lingo and when to "just talk."

Be Curious!
Listen to everyone and anyone's career story. You will learn many things from many people in many stations of life. Accept you don't know everything! The path can be weird, scary and unpredictable, and you may be asked to do things you don't want to do. You will not be handed your dream leadership role right away, and these experiences may be stepping stones in your career path. See them with a curious mind, and learn all that you can.

Stay a Student.
Don't be afraid or intimidated to learn new things. Always take stock of yourself and consider what you may have learned from your past as you look towards your future. Enjoy being a member of a team as much as you like being, or want to be, a leader. You can learn from sitting on both sides of the table. Ask questions, and be both enthusiastic and open to where your journey may take you.

Know What You're Talking About.
When you feel passionately, consider "why do I like or dislike this?" When you see something that works, ask yourself "why is this successful?" Have an opinion and be able to articulate it. Even if your idea is "off," it's best to at least have an idea. Voice that well-formed, passionate opinion and engage!

Bring Your Passion to Your Profession!
Whether your passion is serving others, or you're energized by an outside activity, like yoga (Scot's passion), let it waft into your professional life. Find a job that fufills your passion, or find a passion that propels you through every day. Passion is key!

DREAM B*I*G!
If you think you know what you want to do, DO IT! You can work in whatever you want to! But, again, know what you're talking about; have intensive and extensive knowledge of that industry, company, or role. Then GO! If you can dream it, you can do it!

Be True to Yourself!
Know what motivates you and know where you want to go. Pursue your goals and be comfortable saying no to an opportunity if it just doesn't feel "right." Be true to who you are and who you want to become!

As you forge ahead to carve out your own career to serve as a dynamic, enthusiastic, ebullient leader, consider these words from the wise. Be authentic, curious and open to possibility! Then just GO! There's nothing stopping you!