I find it very interesting the way people are reacting to not being able to do what they planned.  I’m talking about the volcanic eruption in Iceland and how this has scuppered many travel plans.  It is devastating for some people trying to get to weddings and funerals and other events and loved ones.   But in this case there is so little that people can do to re plan.

I think it’s interesting to consider how we cope with change.  When we have planned a specific direction and it just isn’t happening or something or someone stops our progress, how long do we keep pushing to achieve plan A?  And when is the right time to change course a little or review a direction.  In terms of the air traffic crisis many people were innovative and found different ways to get to their destination.  However for some travelling London to New Zealand there is but one way if you don’t want it to take a month on a boat!

I think what’s important is that we don’t take these set backs personally.  It is disappointing when a plan doesn’t come off and we need to feel those feelings and then begin to regroup and re plan.  Ask ourselves what is getting in the way of my career progress?  What could I do differently in this relationship?   What do I need to communicate and with whom?  What will happen if I don’t do anything?  What will happen if I keep pushing the same direction.  In some ways it’s about assessing the risk and success rate.

I have begun to realise that those who make successful career changes or tweak their career are those who step in early to resolve career issues.  They don’t wait until they feel really resentful or get really stuck.  It’s so much harder to work from this point.  These people address things early and keep things moving.  They aren’t afraid to ask for help.  If we take this attitude in all things in life then we will likely keep moving forward sometimes not quite in the direction we want but at least we have control of it and not it of us!