Career Unknowns: Do The Next Right Thing

When navigating your career, do the next right thing.

In the car yesterday, my five year old daughter and I were listening to the soundtrack of Frozen II. One of my core values is connection, and I can't seem to turn it off—even when immersed in the world of Disney princesses, I can find connections and extract wisdom on how we navigate our career paths. 

When Anna finds herself alone and unsure, trying to stumble her way forward through the darkness and the unknown, she remembers the advice given to her by Grand Pabbie (the troll): Do the next right thing. 

It's wise guidance. When you can't see where the dark tunnel leads, when you're not sure what lies around the corner, when it's become abundantly clear that there are forces beyond your control—you can't rely on making a plan and sticking to it. 

It's the same in our constantly-shifting career landscape. You can't select a destination, make a five year plan to get there, and take a direct route from point A to point B. 

Obstacles and unknowns will arise. They'll knock you off course, distract you, and cause you to question yourself.

Instead of mapping out a course to follow, here's another approach to navigating your career: do the next right thing. 

Get really clear on the core elements of who you are as a professional: what you stand for, what you bring to the table, the impact you want to have. Then use those core elements as a compass to make decisions at each turn—decisions that are "right" for you because they align with who you are.

You may not end up at point B, but wherever you find yourself, it'll be a place you want to be.