Red Light/Green Light Rule

In my book, I feature the reinvention story of an amazing woman, Karen Vandergrift who shared her epiphany about her career journey in relation to the red light/green light rule. Her axiom is that multiple red lights might mean that you are on the wrong road. While I applaud tenacity and determination, sometimes we just need to acknowledge that we are beating ourselves up by not playing to our strengths.

It takes a lot of energy to constantly face and try to improve your weaknesses in a career position or a job search. The red lights may be a sign that this is the wrong path for you. Karen believes that tenacity can be overrated and once she stopped beating herself up by trying to get through the proverbial red lights on her career path – she welcomed the ease that came from traveling a career road with green lights.

The green light road is easier for a reason – it means you are playing to your natural strengths and it will be a better, more enjoyable journey in the long run.

There is a reason that our talents and strengths make us happy. They come naturally and allow us to succeed with less effort. I encourage you to think about what comes naturally to you. Think back to your earliest experiences and compare them to the present. What types of things did and do you love doing? What really interests you and what are your passions?

One of my friends is working in a business model that requires her to sell a product. She is frustrated that her sales have not taken off but her supervisor keeps telling her that within 3-5 years she will be meeting her goals. In the meantime, she is dealing with real financial struggle and dissatisfaction on the job. The truth is, she is hitting multiple red lights and I believe it is because she is not playing to her strengths. It’s not for lack of hard work because she is putting her heart and soul into the business. Perhaps it is because she is not doing what she is meant to do.

It can be scary to reconsider what you want based on your strengths but the rewards are overwhelmingly positive. I believe that minimizing or working around your weaknesses will allow you to do what you are meant to do better and this will be more satisfying in the long run.

Everybody has a talent sweet spot but you really need to give some thought and consideration to what yours is so you can find your career groove.  Karen’s red light/green light rule is so empowering and very simple. Why travel a road that is filled with obstacles when you can forge a path that is smooth and effortless? I’m not saying to give up your tenacity and ability to deal with challenge, or to learn new things. But, I am asking you to consider the road you are on to make sure you are honoring your talents and strengths and indeed on the right path.