If The Shoe Doesn't Fit Maybe it's on The Wrong Foot

We can complain that rose bushes have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses- Abraham Lincoln

Being in a job that is a bad mutual fit is a lot like wearing your shoes on the wrong feet- you can get through the day but it doesn't feel good, it's distracting and, try as you might, you can't help but walk a little funny. When it's a bad fit you can do the best job you can do but not as well or as consistently as the gal who fits the job like  glove and excels all the time. What's worse is that your boss is eye-balling you like you're a problem which is certain to give you the warm fuzzies- not.

News Flash: if you're in that situation it is NOT a recipe for personal excellence and you will not contribute and achieve at the level for which you were constructed. Finding oneself in that position can lead to self-doubt, defeatism, and even depression. Not to mention unemployment. As we start a new year here are three absolute truths to consider:

1. You fit somewhere. Actually, you fit many places. However, you fit in only one or two WAYS. You just can't articulate it. It's not out in the clouds somewhere and it's not psychology;  it's hardwired, measurable, behavioral, and accessible. And it's the cure for what ails you.

2. Where you are today is not your "fault", nor your boss's fault. You wanted  (or needed) the job and he hired you. You wouldn't put soda in your car's gas tank and expect it to perform well, would you? Live and learn, take responsibility, and brush off any guilt feelings.

3. When you understand the WAY you fit you might find gold right under your feet without the pain of a major change. Or the change may be significant and difficult. You won't know until you begin the journey. But you already know all about "difficult", right?

You're a great shoe, you're just on the wrong foot. You are who you were meant to be. You need only to find your unique mode of service. It's that simple, really. Hint: the manner in which you seek to serve will try its best to manifest across work, family, church, and community.