Sometimes focusing too intently on a subject can cloud the issue and make it more confusing, not less. If your adult child is having trouble zoning in on the ‘perfect career,’ suggest that he or she employ brainstorming as a technique to find some viable career options. Whether your son or daughter is in a career that they want to leave or are newbies to the world of employment, brainstorming can help them determine a career path that will marry their interests and abilities.

Help them with the brainstorming process by getting them to open up with some open-ended and fun questions, like:

• What drives them to get out of bed each day?
• Have them reflect on their proudest moments in their life. What were they doing during these moments? What gifts or talents did they use at these times?
• What secret superpower would they have if given the chance?
• Help them daydream about their perfect job. What tasks would they do – exactly – and what would they have those around them do?
• Encourage them to talk about people they admire for their achievements or experiences. What is it exactly about that person that they find attractive?
• Discuss what parts of their current job they specifically like and dislike. What job or role would they want to have instead?

Using these practical steps of brainstorming will help bring your adult child one rung closer to a career that they will find fulfilling and enjoyable.

Copyright 2008 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

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