Career lessons from our kids

SACRAMENTO (JobJournal) -- Kids believe in the best. Adults usually expect the worst so they won't be disappointed.

As a mother of a toddler son, I watch a lot of kid's shows. What strikes me about these shows is the positive messages that come across; messages of hope and encouragement.

Why is it that as adults we lose hope when it comes to our careers? Did career setbacks or economic downturns make negativity more prevalent than being positive?

Remember back to a time in your life when you believed that anything was possible. A time when you looked forward to the day ahead and all you could do and learn. What happened to that belief? What happened to that person? Wouldn't you like that person back?

Frequently when things go bad, we blame it on other people or their childish ways. But is some ways, being childish is not such a bad trait. A lot of things that kids do can be applied to your career. Here are some of those 'childish' perspectives that could transform your career.

I will try, try again.

Kids fall down on a regular basis. My son falls 400 times a day. And he gets up 400 times a day. He never gives himself a hard time for falling. He doesn't feel guilty about past falls. He just gets up and tries again. Life is about getting up again after falling. So is your career.

I know it all works out.

In kid's shows, characters find themselves in sticky situations. They ask themselves, "What do I do now?" Then, they find the answer. They don't go backward, ever. They go forward, and because they go forward, they build their confidence and self-esteem. The pathway forward may not always be in a straight line, or it might take a little longer, but they find their way out because they know they will.

I will ask for help.

Kids are not afraid to ask for help. It's a way of life for them. They do so regularly and naturally and that's how they are able to reach their goals successfully. Kids don't expect to work out their difficulties alone. They know that without the help of others they are not as effective.

I will have a good attitude.

No matter what happens, no matter how grim a situation looks, kids look at the bright side. If the bridge they need to cross falls down, they take another bridge. If the road is blocked, they find another road. They keep doing different things (with a smile) until something works. If they become fearful, it's short-lived and they are soon on their way again.

I'm growing and learning.

Kids don't give themselves a hard time when they make a mistake. They know they can't do everything. Frequently their limitations are frustrating, but they keep learning because they understand that success happens over time with hard work and practice.

Kids are in our lives for a reason. They remind us who we are and who we can be if we don't give up.

Which of these lessons can you apply to your career?

Courtesy of JobJournal.com. Copyright 2015 by Job Journal. All rights reserved.

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