Avoid The Wilderness Mentality 

October 12, 2017

For the past 15 years, my friend Alana has been complaining about every job and boss she has ever had.  One day in the midst of her lamenting about her current position, I asked her pointedly, “What is it that you want to do?”  She seemed genuinely surprised by the question and responded, “Honestly, I don’t know.”   

Alana is among those I describe as having the wilderness mentality. It’s the behavior that keeps us wandering through life and often makes us victim to our circumstance.  It restrains our liberty and empowerment to make decisions based on our personal goals, and we ultimately surrender to any power.  

According to Gallup, nearly 70 percent of people are unhappy in their jobs.  On the flip side of the coin is the fact that the majority of these individuals have no idea what they want to do.  They often adopt a victim mentality and a negative attitude.  Alana had been a victim so long that she forgot how to enjoy her work.  More importantly, she had never taken the time to plan her career and accepted any job offer that came along.   

Sharon is another example of someone who has been going through the 9-5 job versus career motion.  After securing her degree in biology, she served in the US Army where she worked in logistics and supervised other soldiers.  When she returned home, she took a job as an insurance analyst and has been there for eight years.   

“Why don’t you apply for a lab technician job or something in the medical field,” I asked.  

“To be honest, I don’t want to work in a lab or hospital,” she replied.  “Besides, I think it’s too late to use my degree.” 

After a long conversation where she shared what she COULDN’T do and how she DIDN’T have any strengths, I asked, “So what are you most passionate about?” 

She finally said, “I think I’m good with improving processes. I recently put together a training manual for new people in our department.”  

“Have you considered getting your Six Sigma certification or taking a few courses in operations management?” I inquired.   

For the first time, I noticed how she became energized with the possibility of opportunity. She told me she was going to follow up and use the rest of her GI bill to take some courses.  I was proud of her for being willing to take the first step and get beyond her fear of pursuing her goals.   

Personal Branding is about being self empowered to make choices. The key is to make a plan and work your plan.  

“He who fails to plan is planning to fail.”

-Winston Churchill