Mind Map: Career Choices

Uses: A place for you to think through and become aware of how you are thinking about your career choices. You have many more choices than you know!

Background: I've just "completed" a new website and realized that this is the way many people think about jobs.

How to: Click the link below to open up the map. Print the map off and complete each of the sections. This map probably makes the most sense if you complete it going clockwise. The instructions for each section are included in the bubbles.

More comments: If you are interested in receiving this file in adobe pdf format, send me an email here. If you are interested in planning and organizing your career  differently, go to http://www.careerfocusmap.com.

Feature Article: The Candy Counter

As I was looking through some old pictures, I came across a few pictures of my grandfather’s general store in Southern Illinois.

My grandfather opened up his first store in the 1930’s. And since I’m not THAT old, I never visited his original store. The store I remember was built in the 1950’s.

In his store, he carried everything from clothing to ice cream sandwiches, from tools to fresh deli meats. He carried beverages, pens and pencils, jewelry, and fishing gear.

As you walked into the store through the front door, to your left you would find a large Coca Cola cooler. Just to the right was the main counter with a very large antique cash register surrounded by a wooden counter top.

I would usually find my aunt near the main counter next to the wood burning furnace (in the winter) or next to the fan in the summertime.

After my obligatory hello and small person small talk, I would consistently and without hesitation, make my way to the candy counter. It was, after all, only 3 steps away.

The candy counter wasn't just a row of candy. It was instead, several shelves of candy. Each one of the shelves housed boxes and boxes of candy.

I would walk up and down the candy isle several times, looking at the varieties of candies. It almost felt like a ritual, a scouting report of sorts. I would walk slowly, looking at the entire collection.

Inevitably, and without fail, my grandfather presence was known, felt, and then heard. I knew, even before my grandfather arrived, that he would say something like, "go get yourself some candy.” He said this each and every time I (and my three sisters) visited his store.

I would walk up and down the candy isle a few more times – like a big fish circling a small one. Eventually, I would be on my way with my catch in hand and shortly thereafter enjoying it!

When I pulled out the picture of my grandfather’s store, this memory came crashing out like lemon heads just set free from the box. (For those of you who don’t know about lemon heads, they are sour lemon hard candies.)

I’ve thought long and hard on how this applies to my life. I think about my gumball machine. (I'm joking, but I do have one.) Seriously, this is what I’ve come to realize.

Every morning, on the way to my kitchen, I pass by that very same candy counter. Instead of choosing candy, I’m choosing experiences. Instead of choosing candy, I’m choosing my health. And instead of choosing candy, I’m choosing my prosperity.

Sometimes I forget to try new candy. I take what I know I like. And some days, I must admit, I whiz right by the candy counter and forget to choose at all.

Even worse, I forget to stock the candy counter with what pleases me most. I like power bars, fruit, lemon heads, snickers, and milk chocolate. And I like health, prosperity, creativity and being inspired!

Now it is your turn. You have your own personal candy counter in your life today! Do you see it?

You can have any candy you would like! Your candy might be exceptional health, prosperity, certain experiences, friendships, or the way you live you life.

Choose to see your candy counter. Decide to stock the candy counter with things you want. Choose something from it daily! Try new candy often! There it is, all wrapped up in few short paragraphs. :-)

Do this and I bet you start experiencing more of what you really want starting today.

Your newly acquired sweet tooth is for life!

-- Albert Einstein

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