David J.

Pollay

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December 24, 2007

Take the Key Test of Momentum

Last week I wrote about the power of positive momentum in your life. This week I want to share with you my guide for assessing and building momentum in your career. 

THE KEY TEST™ of Momentum will help you understand what drives your career momentum. THE KEY TEST™ is a 10-point guide to help you focus your strengths, passion and resources on living your best possible life. Grab a pencil now and take THE KEY TEST™ to see if you are experiencing positive momentum.

For each of the 10 dimensions of momentum, rate yourself on a scale of one to five. Five means that you’re at the top of the dimension, and a one means that you are at the low end of the scale. Here goes:

(1)     I am always Thinking about new ideas and creative opportunities I can pursue in my career.

(2)     I do not hesitate to ask for Help. Many people mentor and advise me.

(3)     My Ethics and values are in harmony with my work. My work makes a positive difference in the world.

(4)     I am constantly increasing my Knowledge by reading, researching and studying. I am an expert in my field. 

(5)     I seek as much Experience as possible; I want to learn by doing.

(6)     I Yearn for the opportunity to do even more of my work. I love what I do.

(7)     I am eager to Try new things. I am willing to experiment.

 

(8)     I am Energized by my work. While others fatigue easily, my battery is continually charging. 

(9)     I use my most natural Strengths every day on the job. I get to do what I do best.

(10)  I am constantly in Training. I am always on the lookout for a new insight, or a new approach that will help me perform at a higher level.

Here’s how to score THE KEY TEST™ of Momentum. If you scored a five on dimensions one, three, six, eight, and nine, you are on the right career path; you love what you do. These questions reflect who you are. You will be successful because you use your most natural strengths every day, you are energized by what you do, you yearn to do what you love all of the time and you feel that your work is meaningful.

If you did not score a four or five on the dimensions above, you should work on re-crafting your work to better align with your natural strengths and passion. If you scored a three or lower, you should re-evaluate your decision to pursue your current career. You will never compete at the highest level if your heart is not in your chosen profession. You will never reach the top if you cannot fully tap your most natural strengths.

Now turn your attention to questions two, four, five, seven and 10. These questions reflect what you do with your natural talent, interest and passion. People who love their chosen career want advice, help and coaching to make them better.  They look for learning and training opportunities to advance their knowledge in the field. They seek new experiences to test and build their skill. Wherever you scored less than a five in these dimensions you should redouble your effort. Your momentum will increase as result. And your life will become more meaningful, gratifying and fun!

Next week I will share with you how to tap your best self to further increase your momentum.

David J. Pollay is a syndicated columnist with North Star Writers Group, creator and host of “The Happiness Answer™” television program, an internationally sought-after speaker and seminar leader, and the author of “Beware of Garbage Trucks!™ - The Law of the Garbage Truck™.” Mr. Pollay is the founder and president of TheMomentumProject.com, a strengths-based training and consulting organization with offices in Delray Beach, Florida and Washington D.C. Mr. Pollay is also the associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). Email him at david@themomentumproject.com.

© 2007 David J. Pollay. Distributed by North Star Writers Group. May not be republished without permission.

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