In my late 30’s I took a strategic pause. The outcome was a significant change in my career because I asked “Why am I doing this?”
This blog entry contains my personal LinkedIn posts for January 31 through February 3, 2022.
Be a learner!
Am I teachable? If Yes, then I enjoy multiplication of learning throughout my life.
But, if No, then I remain stuck right where I am.
Fortunately, for me at least, being teachable isn’t a factor of my native intelligence.
Instead, it’s a combination of a deep desire to grow paired with a willingness to accept correction.
Being a learner isn’t about being smart. Instead, it’s about responding to rapid change. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Personal growth demands desire plus a willingness to change.
Elements of a balanced life!
Early in my career I was stressed about the lack of progress I saw professionally.
Moreover, pushing harder didn’t bring improvements.
Instead, that pushing took time away from family. I was out of balance personally and professionally.
I hit a wall – a layoff. My wife and I spent time talking to each other and to mentors, as well as time in prayer.
The outcome was a radical change in career path.
We/I learned how important it is to pause, slow down, step back, think, and rethink!
Think about what? About where you are now and how you got here. As such, reflection and self-awareness are important elements of living a balanced life.
Today’s Observation: Career changes must be accompanied by deep reflection, else we invite another round of the same serious, frustrating problems that provoked that career change.
I suffer serious consequences when my life is out of balance, that is, when I’m all about doing without knowing why I’m doing it! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 9.6 encourages us to give up our simple-mindedness as we learn to make sense of life.
Why am I doing this?
In my late 30’s I took a strategic pause. The outcome was a significant change in my career.
A career path much better aligned with my strengths.
Consequently, I enjoyed a 30-year second career that was extremely fulfilling.
I learned the importance of making time for personal and professional growth.
Now, I view myself as repurposed into a third career phase as my 9-to-5 job has ended.
Today’s Question: When’s the last time you asked yourself “Why am I doing this?”
My mentor told me to repurpose, don’t simply retire. That was great advice! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 8.33 tells us to become wise by hearing, then responding, to good advice. Part of this process is to listen to yourself!
I don’t get it?
There’s a popular Ziglar quote about having everything you want if you help other people get what they want.
I get the last part about helping others. It’s a version of “give and it will be given unto you.”
But, I’ve never fully understood “get anything you want.” I’m not questioning the character or body of work of Zig Ziglar. I just don’t understand the quote.
I get reciprocity. I get unilateral kindness and servant leadership.
My concern is with “have everything you want”. Why? Because of the sweeping assumption that I’m disciplined enough to have appropriate desires.
Today’s Questions: Is getting something other than “everything you want” falling short? How do you interpret “everything you want?”
An abundant life is certainly full and fulfilling because it’s outward facing rather than inward focused. proverbsforprofessionals.net
From Proverbs 3.14 we learn that a reverential, balanced life recognizes what’s of ultimate value.
