Tired does not adequately describe how I felt as I sat in the Philadelphia International Airport. We were on our way home from a 13 day tour of Italy and Greece. Unfortunately, we had a six hour layover! Our flight from Athens, Greece arrived around 3:15 pm and we would not depart to our home airport in Jacksonville, Florida until 9:30 pm.
The last leg of any journey often presents with many frustrations. It may seem as if the closer you get to your destination, the more difficult it becomes to progress. Although we enjoyed our travels, we were exhausted. We wanted to arrive home, get in the bed and rest. Instead we encountered a long delay, a freezing cold airport terminal, and thunderstorms. We did not arrive home until 1:15 am the next morning.
Hardworking professionals who want to be happy understand that career building and development is a journey. At every stage, we are exposed to elements that may delay our progress. We may also face obstacles that cause us to alter our course. Delays or obstacles contribute to professional frustration. A way to overcome or limit the negative effect of professional frustration is to incorporate Marcyline’s four Cs for a Satisfying Career. The “C” stands for components.
During the trip, I posted messages on my Instagram page @Happyin30 talking about the Marcyline’s Four Cs for a Satisfying Career. The Four Cs stand for Compelled, Competent, Comfortable and Context. Hardworking professionals who want to be happy should be compelled, competent and comfortable in a specific context. How does this apply to career development delays?
Compelled and Competent
Compelled refers to actions, behaviors, or thoughts that related to life or death. Professionals who think, act and behave in a manner in which their life or livelihood depends on it, do not give up or give in when they are faced with a difficult situation. They find a way to go around, over or through the obstacle to get to their desired outcome.
Competent refers to the skills, abilities, and knowledge used to reach the desired outcome. It should be noted that possessing a skill or ability does not ensure that the desired outcome is attained. Competence as it relates to Marcyline’s Four Cs for a Satisfying Career, is knowing what to do, when, where, how, and why in order to reach the desired outcome.
Comfortable in a Specific Context
Comfortable refers to being fully confident, content, relaxed and happy with every aspect of oneself. Of course, no one is perfect. A comfortable professional acknowledges and accepts personal imperfections and quirks. They also acknowledge their abilities, skills and knowledge. They are honest with themselves and with their colleagues. Comfortable means being unpretentious and real.
The final C refers to context. Another word for context as it relates to Marcyline’s Four Cs for a Satisfying Career is environment. Environment includes the location, physical structure, and the furnishings. It also includes the character of the physical environment. Is the temperature too warm, too cold, or just right? Is the air quality healthy? Are the restrooms clean? Is the kitchen or staff room inviting?
Context also refers to professional and personal interactions within the workplace. The environment itself communicates that each professional is appreciated and respected. Professionals are free to communicate their individual ideas or thoughts regarding the work. They are encouraged to be their best selves personally and professionally. They create innovative processes to help the organization reach its mission. This means that every individual and contribution is valued and vital to the success of the organization.
Final Words
Over the next few weeks, we will continue this discussion. I will share my Happyin30 Instagram posts talking about the Four Cs as well. I am looking forward to continuing the discussion and hearing from you.
In the meantime, Peace to you and as always Take Good Care.
Marcyline
Happy Half Hour Club is a community for hardworking professionals who want to be happy. I am all about being a successful and satisfied professional. I invite you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to receive the HALF Note the Happyin30 Newsletter. Like the Happy in 30 Facebook page and connect with us on Instagram @Happyin30 and Twitter @Happyin30