Defining Your Core Themes: Creativity
Kathy was a "stay at home mom" until the last two years when she decided it was time to focus on her career. An intelligent and articulate woman who cares a great deal about people, she began the process of discovering her Core Themes. Kathy's primary Core Theme centered around creativity. Friends and family had encouraged her to work in a landscaping / florist business because of her love for plants and the outdoors. She felt that in this environment she could learn the business and apply her creative talents.
As is the case with so many of my clients, they never lack for receiving opinions and advice from well-intentioned friends and family. The problem with this, of course, is that oftentimes the opinions are based on the individual's interests or talents and not an understanding of the entire individual. As Kathy gained further insight through the process of discovering her Core Themes, she realized that creativity was number one, but she also had other Core Themes that centered around knowledge, intellectual stimulation and a sincere desire to teach and help others.
Keep Your Themes in Focus
Kathy left the Core Themes process and did indeed secure a position within a landscaping, florist business. After seven months, however, she became frustrated and disillusioned and returned to discuss her situation with me. She quickly confessed that she had not followed her Core Themes, but rather accepted a position based on convenience, salary and, of course, because it was in the area that she enjoyed, namely plants and flowers. However, during her seven months of employment, Kathy had little opportunity to exercise her creative talents but rather ran the front end where she assisted customers and processed their purchases.
Kathy's situation is an interesting one in that she clearly knew her Core Themes and what would make her happy, but she became distracted and soon realized the unhappy consequences of her decision.
Kathy is now in pursuit of a profession that ultimately will satisfy her Core Themes and in doing so she has committed to returning to college to earn her credentials in the field of career counseling. Additionally, her plan is to get hands-on experience.
In the real world, knowing your Core Themes doesn't magically make everything better. However, it is your "roadmap" and will ultimately get you to your destination, but only if you follow it!
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Career Case Studies