What’s Holding You Back From Career Success? Part 2

In my previous post, I outlined why I think the Theory of Constraints is hugely relevant to those wanting to advance in their current work or to find meaningful work. If you haven’t read that, then I encourage you to do so now so you can get the most out of this one.

Almost everything I have written on this blog relates back to one of the following nine constraints. These are the most common issues people face when trying to maximize their work. I have linked to my favorite previous posts for each of these, and will keep this list updated – so it would be a great one to bookmark.

Thinking. If our thinking, or attitude about work, isn’t right then it will limit our ability to be successful. Unconstrained thinking is positive, optimistic, and leaves us energized to tackle whatever the next task is to reach our goals.

Strengths. If we aren’t working in our strengths then we aren’t maximizing our potential. To be unconstrained in this area includes not only working in your strength areas, but knowing what they are.

Connections. It is essential we build a personal network that expands our circle of influence over time. For connections to not be a constraint, we have to look for ways to serve others – by providing value – more than being served.

Vision. Setting goals and having a vision for the future are essential to moving us forward. Unconstrained goals are not realistic. They are big. They are in line with our larger objectives and carefully thought through. Unconstrained vision leads to goals that are written, measurable, and our own.

Story. We need to be able to tell our story to others. The tool we usually rely on is our resume, but telling our story is much more than that. An unconstrained story includes an elevator pitch, networking, a portfolio of our work, and even an online presence.

Value. There is no substitute for doing high quality work. We must look to meet a very specific need in the marketplace and do it at least a little bit better than anyone else. To be unconstrained in this area, consider what the expectation would be – from a boss, an interviewer, or a customer – and then figure out how to exceed that expectation.

How To Stand Out in a Job Search

Expertise. If we aren’t experts at what we do, then we’ll only be able to go so far. Unconstrained expertise means constantly working on personal growth and learning.

Reality. It is important to step back and objectively look at where we are against where we think we are in key areas of our lives. Unconstrained reality includes actively seeking feedback from others.

Impacts. One of the biggest things that determines if we are happy in our work is if it impacts other people. Unconstrained impacts means we know who our work impacts and how it impacts them.

I used a lot of “we” and “us” in the above list on purpose. These are the things I have to constantly remind myself of as well. Please let me know in the comments what YOUR biggest constraint probably is right now.

http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

From your list above, reality is my biggest constraint in moving from my chosen career of teaching into my future career of writing. Realistically, I have to continue to pay bills, care for my family, and that takes money, and my current job provides that money. The good thing is that I don’t mind my teaching job.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  There are TONS of people right there with you. Jon Acuff’s Quitter is the best resource I know for those in your situation (guessing you have heard of it!)
  - http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson
    
    I’ve heard of it now, Tom. Thanks!
http://www.theinspiredday.com/ Melanie Wilson

I’m with Dan. I think reality is a big problem. I always think I can do 100 times more than I can. If I would accept the limitations my most important commitments place on me, I could limit my goals to one or two and actually accomplish them. This is a phenomenal post. Thanks so much, Tom.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Glad it was helpful, Melanie…glad to see you here. Lots more in store!
http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

Fascinating how impacting/helping others plays such an important role. This is a constraint I always feel low in.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  It often comes back to serving others…doesn’t it!
http://www.lincolnparks.com/ Lincoln Parks

Tom, when you mentioned strengths I could only remember the Strength finder and how it helped me to identify my strength areas. This is an awesome post and you really break down key areas.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Thanks, Lincoln. My favorite book on that area is StandOut by Marcus Buckingham – it was very beneficial to me!
http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

These are great areas to focus on when it comes to work. What we think about reflects through our attitude and behaviors so it’s essential we have and maintain a positive perspective while at work.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Exactly – thanks Dan!
http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

I’ve been going on a strengths kick lately, trying to deeply think about mine and how to apply them. I would say that could possibly be one area of constraint for me right now. By the way, I loved your alarm clock test post. That’s how I’ve been trying to think lately as well.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Glad the alarm clock test resonated with you – those are my go-to interview questions when hiring. Have you read StandOut? That book helped me see my strengths like no other I’ve used.
  - http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis
    
    I haven’t read that one – that’s Buckingham, right? All his stuff is pretty solid.
    - http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
      
      Yes Marcus Buckingham…think you’ll get a lot out of it.