Do you think it is more important to have an accurate idea of WHO you really are, in order to get where you REALLY want ?

Doug Macdonald — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 06:26:52 -0500

Or is it just better to focus on the process and just go get a JOB?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 10 at 2016 6:41 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 06:41:03 -0500

There is no substitute for action, for doing something. As we liked to say, Do is half of done. Sitting around looking at your belly button contemplating life's vicissitudes will not get you very far. There is nothing wrong with knowing yourself and seeking self improvement/knowledge but doing that in absence of action is a delay tactic and will not serve you well.

Having a direction is good, even having a longer term goal is good but the more specific the goal and the more focused you are on it the less likely you might be to see opportunities on the periphery.

Response by Doug Macdonald made Feb 10 at 2016 6:53 AM

Doug Macdonald — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 06:53:26 -0500

Justifying irrationality due to pride, and self-deception based on ego are the enemies of civilian survival. Six things I learned going through this process.

1. Honesty isn't painful.
2. This is not used to showcase faults.
3. It doesn't create reality, it reveals it.
4. It's not a revelation but an incremental journey of discovery.
5. It's a private journey that no one sees.
6. REDUCES potential for failure.

If you would like some guidance on this journey I suggest you look at "The Prior Service Entrepreneur-The Fundamentals Of Veteran Entrepreneurship." You can get an author-inscribed copy. It was a key factor in this civilians survival through PTSD and the transition journey.

Don't let the title fool you. The first 2/3 of the book deals with developing the "Optimal Mindset for Success. This was written by a veteran for veterans.

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Response by SFC Russell Shaw made Feb 10 at 2016 7:14 AM

SFC Russell Shaw — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 07:14:09 -0500

Your first question is
What do I really really want?
The second is, why do I want it?

You see Mark Twain said "The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why."

Asking the why question over and over again. Might start with, Why do I want to retire in this area or that? Why is that area so important? Why do I want that?
Why do I want this job?
Why would it satisfy me?
Why is it so important to me?

Those give you an idea I don't know what you are looking for you will have come up with your own questions. If you want help I am offering a free class called "Put your Dreams to the Test." This is an 8 week course and we will get in touch by conference call send an e-mail to [login to see] . Class will be on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 pm Eastern time introduction is February 16 first class February 23rd. No charge at this time, actually most of the services I provide to veterans is at no charge. It is my way to say thank you to all my veteran family for serving. I would like to extend a personal thank you to you for serving and sacrificing your time to protect this great nation.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 10 at 2016 8:21 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:21:09 -0500

Yes I would say knowing who you are would help a great deal.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 8:35 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:35:48 -0500

When I was seven years old, I knew what I "wanted" to be...a Navy fighter pilot. Time and effort proved that I wasn't "cut out" to be one...so, I revised my "wants" and became (I hope) an ok Naval Officer. Just about the time I decided that I once again knew what I "wanted" to be...the Navy decided they didn't need me...that time, I didn't "revise" my wants, and managed to get back in for a short time until not only did the Navy not "need" me...but there wasn't really anywhere they could send me either.

Now, I accept that I will do what I have to do...not what I want to do. I've come to realize that my responsibilities as a husband and father negate any notions of limitations or restrictions on what I will do to make ends meet. If I can continue to sell catalyst for twenty years...great. If I have to dig ditches and be a stockman at Lowes...I can do that as well.

Still, no matter what I may do, when I look in the mirror, I'll always see the same guy...and he's always going to be a Sailor :)

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Feb 10 at 2016 8:53 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:53:22 -0500

You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want. (Zig Ziglar)

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 10 at 2016 9:12 AM

SPC James Dollins — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 09:12:03 -0500

I think in order for you to get where you really want to be, you need to have a clear path. You need to understand your strengths & weaknesses. Once you know those you can adapt to pretty much anything, & overcome.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 11:06 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:06:15 -0500

IMHO, it is impossible to do the latter without the former in place. If not, you'll just end bouncing from job to job.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 10 at 2016 11:27 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:27:18 -0500

Sometimes PTSD will fool you.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 10 at 2016 12:13 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:13:04 -0500

In order to get where you really want....not want...what you REALLY NEED.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 10 at 2016 12:48 PM

SPC James Dollins — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:48:32 -0500

I think you should be focused on what the job entails, & at least be interested in it. I would hate to have a job I wasn't interested in or didn't enjoy. It would make it hard to suit up & show up everyday.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Feb 12 at 2016 7:24 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 07:24:27 -0500

Doug Macdonald Great question, I believe you need to be the best you that you can be. I use self reflection throughout my day to be in tune with others that I interact with. Understanding the communication process and non-verbal communication helps balance situations. I l9ok8ng to when I leave the Military to be able to use these skills when I go to pursue a job.