After my recent post, (Create Your Perfect Day), I received a response that allowed me to reflect even more on this topic. A colleague shared my strong opposition to this idea of “where you see yourself in 5-10 years” and talked about some additional pitfalls in this approach.
The truth is, when we approach our goals in terms of a specific role or title -- versus how we want to spend our time -- we often limit ourselves from exploring what is possible.
I know because I experienced this firsthand.
When I moved to the United States, I thought a lot about my prior experience and my career in Russia. I decided I wanted to verify all of my credentials here in America. I passed multiple tests, regained my PMP - Project Management certification, obtained Change Management certification, and started applying for jobs.
I faced a lot of rejections. This discouraged me from further attempts to look for a job in the space
where I had previously developed my expertise. I was basing my decisions on prior roles I’d had, what I was qualified “on paper” to do and what made sense as a next step for me. Little did I know that these rejections would change my life - for the better.
In the midst of this experience, I did the Perfect Day exercise. I imagined myself working with people, sharing thoughts, giving ideas
and asking questions. I shared this with a friend of mine who asked me straightaway: What about coaching?
Why am I sharing this story? Why is this important?
Because when I was focused on a specific job, a specific role, I faced a lot of rejection. I could have really savored the negative side of this situation but instead, I created a
picture and said let’s forget about that previous part of my life; I will take everything available but in some kind of new frame… let’s see where this will take me.
That was five years ago, and it was the minute I started exploring this beautiful trade of coaching. It is the work I do now, that I love, and I have never been happier. I know my purpose and I live a very fulfilling life.
We often think we know what is best for us. We put a lot of stock in a specific role and job, when - instead - we can begin, together, to create a new culture. A culture of dreaming without boundaries and without attachments to titles, companies, and roles. Ask yourself: What would I really enjoy doing? How can I add value to my life and the lives of others?
So, what now?
Here are my questions to you: Are you unhappy in your current role? Are you dissatisfied with options for mobility within your company? Are you looking around and wondering what is next for you? Are you considering what will bring you joy and purpose and fulfillment?
If so, I invite you to complete the Perfect Day exercise, and take these steps on the path to transformation with me.
All it takes is a willingness to see the possibilities. Are you with me?
Photo by @OlgaPrudka
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