Why being a independent thinker can help you in your career?

I was thinking about my late dad and how he always did things his own way. A thing that I definitely think I have inherited from him. I also saw this trait in my mum growing up too. When she was a young widow and developing in her teaching career she always did things differently in her career.

I have been thinking about independent thinking a lot lately because in a society where we are expected to do things a certain way being an independent thinker and taking action unconventionally  can seem risky.

When I work with clients I encourage them to tap into their independent thinking more. That is not to say I would advise them do something rash but I do help them think about how independent thinking can help their careers.

How independent thinking shaped me

My mum would be curious about learning and not only was she a primary school teacher but she was learning about SPLD and helping students with dyslexia and other special needs in the early 90s. I remember her telling me about a few of students who some teachers had labelled as “slow”, she was convinced they had dyslexia and fought for them to have tests and get diagnosed. Because she did these courses her colleagues started to take her seriously. In fact this story comes full circle because when my mum was in hospital a few years ago one of these students just happened to be her doctor doing the rounds at the hospital and they remembered her. The actions you take can affect someone and if someone remembers that impact wow!! 

For me personally I have found every time I have been an independent thinker and done things against the norm it’s been met with criticism and even misunderstood. I remember when I quit my job and I have quit a job twice in my life but the first time in 2010. There were some people in my circle who just didn’t get it. They didn’t understand me or my value set. I am not saying everyone should do this, no but it is important we don’t let our actions and decisions be influenced too much by what others want for us either.

How Independent thinking can help you

When I work with a client they come to me with their own unique needs and need support getting to a better place. Sometimes that’s a complete career change. Other times I’s just figuring out how to get out of the current situation they are in.

I also think independent thinking is about taking some measured risks but also doing what you really want. The reason I spoke about my parents first is my dad was a qualified barrister and his career the was considered to be a noble profession. My dad didn’t really care about any of that label or status though. Both my parents have a similar value about independent thinking  which they taught me and my sister to help others but also to be happy.

My dad left his careers as a barrister to become a legal adviser for a bank in central London and then went on to set up his own private practice. My mum left a career in accounting to follow her real dream to become a primary school teacher. Independent thinking is about staying true to who you and doing what you love but also taking action on the independent thoughts we have. Our careers can me multifaceted they can also be independent and different.

So I would love to ask you right now especially in 2021 when we are still in lockdown are you being an independent thinker in your career?

How can you be an independent thinker in your career

Being a independent thinker is the first part of taking risks in your career and doing something you really want. However you also need to take action in order to make your independent thinking a reality.

So I want to share 2 tips that can help you with this.

1.     Think about your career and take action- Make sure you think about an idea in your career that you have always wanted to pursue whether that’s a course, career or changing how you work. Then take some time to reflect and make it happen. If it’s more training at work talk to your manager and start the ball rolling.

2.     Test drive your passion whilst being in a steady job – For many of you doing something out of our comfort zone isn’t something that comes easy to us. If you want to experience a career change or even create a business why not see if you can test drive your passion first, without leaving the security of your current career. For many if you reading this you may have a family or other commitments and a test drive means you can decide how to incorporate your independent thinking mindset with your career but do it in a realistic way.

If you think this article has helped you and you want more advice and support around this why not consider applying for a free 15 minute call with me. You can book this here https://calendly.com/soma-g/15-minute-call?back=1&month=2021-02

Wishing you all the best and if you we haven’t connected on LinkedIn already please sent me a connection request and I would love to connect with you and support you on your career journey.