That’s why I was excited to see Bruce Kasanoff show a new theory on his recently LinkedIn blog post. He showed this diagram.
The thing I love about this diagram is that it isn’t in the clouds. Sure, it would be nice to do what your strengths and passions dictate, but you live in the real world, Career Girls, and you absolutely have to consider your obligations in life when you’re deciding what you’ll love to do as well.
An example: I absolutely love my family. My brother and sister-in-law and their children along with my parents are incredibly important to me. You could put them in the category of “obligation.” It might sound like a negative connotation, but it’s not. It’s a responsibility and a love of my family I take very seriously, and it therefore might be considered an obligation. So here’s the question, if my strengths and passions tell me I’m supposed to start a women’s organization, how do I do that when considering my obligations? For me, I chose to start Career Girl in Chicago rather than New York or San Francisco. Why? Because I’m closer to my family. I can get there by a quick flight or a train ride, which I couldn’t do on either coast. Therefore, I’ve found my sweet spot. I considered not just my strengths and passions, but also my obligations. If I had only considered the first two aspects, I might be living somewhere else but miserable and wishing I could find that sweet spot.
Where are your sweet spots? Have you been ignoring one of these three aspects?
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Interesting, i use the same diagram in my book “Finding Your Sweet Spot,” and mine are labeled Talents, Interests and Passion.
I’m not sure I completely agree with the obligation theory. I agree that there are certain things like family which are important, but those things should be a given. You can have a great family and still be unfulfilled in what you do. You can be fulfilled in what you do, love your family and live across the country.
Your Sweet Spot may sound like i’m advocating being selfish, but it is about your “purpose” first. Put the big rocks in and plan everything else around it.
Kene
Kene – I LOVE your approach as well. I think there are lots of ways to find that sweet spot. I’m heading over to Amazon right now to buy your book! Excited to read more.
Marcy – contrary to the opinion, there aren’t a lot of ways. I know that sounds snooty (like i know it all; trust me i don’t,) but the sweet spot has to do with fulfillment and engagement; 2 things which tie into who we are. When we operate out of who we are not, frustration sets in. Research by Gallup Organization proves this. Out Talents have to be involved as this is the foundation of our sweet spot. Too much to talk about on the blog. Let me know what you think after reading the book.