How to Make the Most of Watershed Experiences

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By Althea DeBrule
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Watershed

What are some of the meaningful experiences you have had at work--the kind of experiences that have been defining points in time or watershed events that have caused you to look at things a little differently? Many new watershed experiences have come and gone, and some have been even more difficult to think about. But which ones have forced you to consider what's driving you to perform or keeping you going when you encounter seemingly impossible obstacles? A "watershed" is a critical point that serves as a dividing line. Historically, watersheds have been a key factor in determining boundaries in regions where trade by water was vital to the survival of a country or locality. Today, we speak of watershed experiences as defining moments that bring about changes in direction, or amazing (sometimes painful) experiences that help define our lives. To make the most of your defining moments and watershed experiences, consider these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Awareness of defining moments in your career
Reality Check
Self Assessment

Step 1

Anticipate

Anticipate and embrace these defining moments as formative experiences designed to re-shape and develop your character. Watershed experiences are sharp doses of reality that force you to look deeply at your reasons, root motives and impetus for doing certain things.
Step 2

Change

Accept the fact that after a watershed experience, you will not be the same person you were before; hopefully you’ll be a better one because defining moments compel you to confront and clean up excessive pride, ambition, bad habits and hidden agendas.
Step 3

Lifelong Learning

Look beyond any euphoria or despair caused by the experience to the lifelong learning and maturity you will obtain. Both watershed experiences and defining moments help us curb idealism and separate fact from fiction.

Tips & Warnings

You can't escape life's defining moments or watershed experiences, nor is there a guaranteed formula for success in dealing with them. Instead, utilize these steps to help you navigate each watershed experience and value it to the fullest extent possible.

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Comments

Limowreck said

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on 6/20/2008 Boy, it's so hard to keep from getting caught up in the emotion of the experience. This article is a good reminder to keep a clear head and keep it all in perspective. Thank you!