New Beginnings? 5 aspects of your personality to consider when making new life decisions

As we begin to emerge from the Covid crisis, and regroup to face the new reality, our priorities are likely to change.   The areas of our life and work that have previously been the focus of our attention and energy, will shift.  For many people, this means taking a long hard look at the direction their work lives are going. This article highlights aspects of the decision making process that are often overlooked.

The pandemic has resulted in many repercussions that affect our personal and business lives. The social isolation that has brought a renewed sense of community, the creative ways we have found of continuing to work and fulfil our sense of purpose, and the looming economic and financial challenges that we have yet to overcome.  This has, and will continue to be, a time of reflection for many of us.  As with any significant life experience, our perspective on what is truly important changes.  And, as we begin to emerge from the Covid crisis, and regroup to face the new reality, our priorities are likely to change.   The areas of our life that take our attention and energy will shift.  For many people, this means taking a long hard look at the direction their work lives are going. Decisions will be made and research undertaken to test out the viability of a new life path.  However, whilst the rationale for making a change may be sound, the one aspect that is often overlooked when considering a significant life change is our personal identity.   The ‘personality’ aspects that make you who you are will ultimately dictate the level of success you attain in the new life you are forging for yourself. 

Whether it’s a new business venture, an entirely new career or a return to an old career, whatever the decision you are considering it’s important to first explore the following aspects of your personality:

1.    Strengths.   It’s not just knowledge and skills that need to be taken into consideration, but character strengths too.  Empathy, creativity, innovation are just a few examples of character strengths.  Knowing your own strengths will ensure you choose a future life path that is a good fit for you and allow you to capitalize on those strengths.  

2.    Values.  Values are our guiding principles in life and are intimately linked to the beliefs we hold.  When we live life according to our values and beliefs we are living authentically and with meaning.  And that makes us happy.  We’re also more likely to be successful and stick at what we choose to do, even in the face of adversity.

3.    Motivation.  Motivation is a state not a trait.  It’s not a rigid aspect of personality that can’t be changed, but a dynamic dimension that shifts according to life events.  Identifying the motivational drivers you need to have fulfilled in your work will mean you avoid making a career move you may later regret.  And, it’s equally important to pay attention to your lowest motivators too, for those are the aspects of a new career that you will need to minimise or avoid.  

4.    Working Preferences.  There are many different working preferences that can be explored.   The ‘Global/Specific’ spectrum is just one.  If you’re a global (big picture) thinker, taking a job that requires a high level of detail is unlikely to suit you.  Likewise, if you prefer to get stuck into the detail first, running a strategic operation may not be your forte.   

5.    Levels of Resilience.   Resilience is complex and it’s not just about being able to ‘bounce back’  from setbacks. It’s about our ability to adapt to every day stressors.  It’s about how we learn from these unexpected setbacks to proactively prepare for the challenges ahead.  Like motivation, resilience is also not a personality trait but a dynamic state.  Our levels of resilience will go up and down throughout our lives.  

Many people will be feeling that their resilience is being tested right now.  The good news is that the many facets that make up our resilience can be developed with some simple, focussed strategies.  So, don’t let this be a barrier to changing course and choosing your right life path.  It could be exactly what you need!

If you are considering a change in direction in your life, please visit our service package; Right Life Path for further information and support. https://www.masksandmirrors.co.uk/right-life-path-modules/right-life-path