Do You Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Some people know what they want to be from the time they are little kids. Rosalyn S. Yalow, a Nobel Laureate, knew she wanted to be a scientist from the time she was 8 years old, as reported in her obituary. Dr. Yalow overcame daunting obstacles to have a remarkable career in her chosen field and became the second woman to earn a Nobel Prize in Medicine. Her story shows the rewards of keeping your eye on the prize in the face of resistance, rejection and even hostility.

Some of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we grow up. Our careers evolve as we gain experience and respond to opportunities. We develop a set of skills that can be applied in different settings. We learn that transformative leadership is transferable and that the ability to think strategically will solve a whole range of problems.

Try to figure out which group you belong to. There is value in either approach but only if it fits your personality. Look for role models for your career style. Then commit your energy and your abilities to make it work for you.