I have a dream ... and a job.

In today’s economy and state of the times, I am very grateful to have a job. It is reasonably secure. It has interesting moments and can be fairly challenging. I enjoy working for my boss and with other people who surround my role. I have a wonderful team, who I am privileged to supervise. I like the company I work for. And, it provides a paycheck. The company I work for is going through some tough times right now, and I feel fortunate to have the position I’m in.

Still, sometimes I wonder if I should reach out and take a chance to do something else. I often think of myself as a risk-taker, but I certainly wouldn’t want to risk my employment status. There are other opportunities within the company that might be interesting, and I can’t help but think “should I or shouldn’t I?”

Yesterday, I read an article about a woman who “took a leap of faith … in herself,” stepped out of her comfort zone, and applied for a position that she was not used to but might grow her career. Might. She’s now an executive vice president with a large investment firm.

Now, my dreams do not include becoming an executive. But I am thinking … should I be happy, content, secure and grateful for what I have (the bird in the hand)? Or should I risk it for an opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and take on a new career adventure (2 in the bush)? There’s no guarantee that I would be successful, although I think I could be. And I would not be able to get my old job back, if I’m not successful.

But what the heck!! Why not?

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I am an avid fan of the Carrot Culture™, which teaches me, our leaders, and our employees the value of recognition. They inspire me into taking myself (and my team) to new heights of success in work and life. I’d like to share bits and pieces of Carrot advice in my blog, as they apply to me or you.

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” (Goethe)

Dreams and ambitions can sometimes get a bad rap today. It’s easy to discount the former as childish and the latter as greedy. That’s a mistake. In a way, troubled times can make it easier for people to reorient their priorities. If there was ever a time to dream big, it is today. When the rest of the world says hunker down and try to survive, we say that it is time to thrive. So, go ahead and dream. A dream is a powerful motivator.

Carrot Action: Make a list of your successes. Then make goals for this year that will build on that momentum.