Work-life balanceOne of the topics I frequently speak about is how to define and achieve the career (and life!) you want. The question I am most often asked afterward is, “What book would you recommend to help me get started?” I always say: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss.  “Isn’t that just for kids?” you say? No way! Not today. Nor any day.  It’s for peeps of all ages who are blazing their way.

Oh the Places is about the opportunities and obstacles that show up in our lifetime and how to navigate them.

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.”

Life is a series of choices.  Choices about career, relationships, where to live, the list goes on. And you can either sit back and wait, and wait, and wait for the choices to be made for you, or you can choose to be bold and explore. You never know what opportunities might await, and what you might learn in the process.

“It’s opener there in the wide open air.”

Will there be occasional difficulties and setbacks? Of course. The true question is, how will you handle those setbacks?  Will you retreat back into the “waiting place?” Or will you look at the positive side, see the best in the situation and forge ahead? There is learning everywhere – especially in the bumps along the road.

“On and on you will hike.
And I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.”

All too often we get caught up in the “shoulda, woulda, coulda” cycle of regrets and self-doubt that not only limit our thinking, but also immobilize us from moving on to all the new experiences and opportunities that await.

“Life’s a Great Balancing Act.”

So acknowledge the past, but focus on the future. Take it all in, learn from it and enjoy every minute. The road is not always smooth, but the journey is an amazing gift that we need to cherish and give it our all.

“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”

Till next time,

Karen

4 Comments
  1. Benny Bridger 11 years ago

    “You have brains in your head.
    You have feet in your shoes.
    You can steer yourself
    any direction you choose.”

    This is probably one of the best quotes (among others) that I remember from the Dr. Seuss books. This tidbit of encouragement is useful for any person, at any age, in any place. Unfortunately, as any current article about education in this country will tell you, not “everyone” can steer themselves in any direction. At some point, opportunities cannot spawn under sheer will, and some of us have more directions to “steer themselves” in than others. Great insight on this though.

  2. Gail Hernandez 11 years ago

    I love this book. I turn to it when I get discouraged.

    Gail

  3. Sallie 11 years ago

    Wonderful blog, Karen! I love this book and its message as well. Especially nice to be reminded of the spirit of this book during times of transition!

  4. Joan Ulibarri 11 years ago

    What an inspirational post! I am going to run out and get this book. Can’t believe I’ve missed this one!
    Thank you!

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