Fire in Your Belly: The "Why" Behind Your "Wow"

Discovering Your Path to Discoverability

I learned this years ago: at any given moment, everyone you know is either going through a career transition, about to go through one, or has just come out the other side.?Maybe you’re going through a career transition right now. When that transition is turbulent, it could breed stagnation and mental fatigue among the people. The frustration of feeling stuck, unseen, or undervalued is real. But opportunity isn't distant. It's closer than you think. The key to unlocking it? Becoming discoverable.

The world of work is also undergoing a transformation. Your résumé, once the gold standard for landing a job, is itself a relic reflecting your past self. A well-formatted résumé can check a box, and a dazzling portfolio can catch an eye, but for hiring managers looking for true talent, the focus shifts inward.

Why? Because what truly matters is the fire in your belly, the intrinsic motivators that drive you beyond external rewards. As someone who has hired many, here's why I prioritize a candidate's "why" over their initial "wow":

• Sustainability of Performance: A fancy portfolio showcases past achievements, but a portfolio alone does not?guarantee future success. What truly fuels long-term excellence is your intrinsic motivation. Are you passionate about the work itself, driven to solve problems, or eager to make a positive impact? These internal drivers are the engine that propels consistent, high-quality performance.
• Grit and Resilience: The road to success is rarely smooth. There will be challenging tasks, difficult clients, and even frustrating colleagues. What separates good from great is the ability to dig deep and persevere. Understanding your "why" – your core values and purpose – provides the fuel to overcome obstacles and push through tough times.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: The modern workplace thrives on collaboration. Can you work effectively with diverse personalities, navigate conflicts constructively, and ultimately contribute to a positive team environment? While a pretty portfolio might showcase individual brilliance, your "why" reveals your commitment to working towards a shared goal, fostering a spirit of teamwork that unlocks the collective potential of the group.

Riddle me this: Imagine I give you a tough assignment and pair you with a challenging partner. Can you, fueled by your "why," find a way to overcome these hurdles, collaborate effectively, and ultimately deliver a solution that everyone can be proud of? This is the true test of your intrinsic motivation.

By prioritizing a candidate's "why," we move beyond superficial qualifications and tap into the heart of what makes someone a valuable asset. So, let’s talk about ways to invest in uncovering your "why" to let your passion shine through. This is the way to transition from being a résumé on a stack to a highly sought-after candidate ready to make a real impact.

Light Your Fire

Needless to say, the struggle is real. Navigating a career change feels like pushing a boulder uphill. But the key to attracting opportunities isn't just about external strategies (although those are important table stakes too). It's about unlocking your "why". Here’s how to start.

Step 1: Unearthing the Spark

Think of your career journey as a bell curve. On one side lies the "early adopters" – those innately comfortable with change. On the other end are the "late adopters" who resist change until forced. Somewhere in the middle lies the vast majority, including yourself. But you can influence where you fall on this curve by identifying your intrinsic motivators.

• What lights you up? What activities bring you a sense of fulfillment, regardless of external rewards?
• What problems do you long to solve? Is it creating something new, optimizing processes, or helping others?
• What legacy do you want to leave behind? Do you want to be known for your innovation, compassion, or problem-solving skills?

Be honest with yourself and embrace all your ideas, whether big or small. What might seem insignificant to you could be incredibly valuable to someone else and might just be the spark you need. By exploring these questions, you begin to uncover your "why" – the core motivation that fuels your professional journey.

Step 2: Building Your Internal Compass

Once you have a clearer picture of your "why", use it as a compass to navigate your career transition. Here's how:

• Craft a personal mission statement: A concise statement that captures your values, skills, and desired impact. It helps you stay focused and identify opportunities aligned with your purpose.
• Develop a "learning filter": Evaluate every opportunity through the lens of your "why". Does it allow you to learn new skills, contribute to your desired impact, or align with your values?

Step 3: Broadcasting Your "Why" to the World

You may not be an "early adopter", but you can become a powerful "early signaler". Here are subtle ways to showcase your "why":

• Volunteer your skills: Contribute your talents to causes you care about. It demonstrates passion and builds your network.
• Create a passion project: Start a blog, podcast, make a physical product, or create a social media channel centered around your interests. It lets the world see your expertise and unique perspective.
• Reframe your résumé: Focus on transferable skills and how you applied them to solve problems, not just job titles and responsibilities.

By consistently broadcasting your "why" through your actions and experiences, you'll attract opportunities that resonate with your core values and career goals. Stay alert; the right opportunity may not come the way you expect. Understand that the world craves authenticity. The stronger your internal compass, the easier it becomes for the right opportunities to discover you.

A Hiring Manager's Side Note: Redefining "Ready"

As a hiring manager, I can tell you firsthand – when faced with two equally qualified candidates, the one who demonstrates confidence in their skills and a clear understanding of their value proposition often stands out. This doesn't mean blind arrogance, but rather a concise and compelling articulation of their strengths and how they can contribute to the team.

But it goes beyond confidence. Many times, I'm looking for someone who can hit the ground running. Someone who already demonstrates the skills and behaviors I need within my team. Think of it like this: if I see a candidate who's already actively building a following or personal brand around the specific type of work I need done, that tells me a lot. It shows initiative, passion, and a clear understanding of the industry. They're a step ahead, actively demonstrating their "why" in action. So, by showcasing your "why" through your activities and achievements, you're not just getting noticed, you're positioning yourself as the ideal candidate to step right into a valuable role.

And I’ll be honest…I’ve been there. I’ve faced layoffs and unexpected career changes. It's disruptive, frustrating, and let's be real, emotions can run high. But I’ve also learned that dwelling on "what ifs" doesn't change the situation. It's a negative energy drain.

There's a saying I live by that goes, “If you stay ready, you never have to get ready." While the sentiment is positive, "ready" takes on a whole new meaning in today's dynamic market. It's not just about having an updated résumé on file. It's about cultivating a resilient spirit fueled by a strong "why."

Why? Because when unfortunate situations arise, your "why" becomes your anchor. It's the inner fire that propels you to dust yourself off, up-skill, and keep moving forward.

Challenge: Have you identified your "why"? Is it strong enough to weather unexpected storms? Investing in your intrinsic motivation isn't just about landing a job; it's about building a career that can withstand any challenge. Setbacks are inevitable, but your "why" empowers you to overcome them and emerge stronger than ever.

The path to fulfillment isn't always linear, but by prioritizing your "why" and taking action, you can transform the feeling of being lost into a journey of discovery. The more you connect with your core values and passions, the more powerfully you'll shine. So, unleash your fire, showcase your "why," and watch as you attract opportunities that align with your deepest aspirations. It's time to stop feeling unaccomplished and start building a career that ignites your passion and propels you towards success. After all, as a great man once told me, "If you get on fire for something, people will come and watch your fire burn." Don't just chase a job; ignite a fire within yourself, and watch the world come seeking your brilliance.