In the wake of the holidays, I took some time this week to reflect. To reflect on the things I am thankful for: my family and friends, my spunky daughters, my husband’s constant support, and the almost 19 years at a company that allowed me to learn and grow so much over the years. However, one of the biggest blessings I have created this year is the opportunity to pivot my career and do something that both ignites my passion and fulfills me.
I purposefully use the word “created” here because I truly believe that we are in control of writing our own story. In February, I had my second daughter. In March, my family relocated from Minneapolis to Ohio following my husband’s career. In May, it became clear that working remotely for the company I loved and grew up in would not be an option. I was at a crossroads.
It was time to decide what path my career would take from here. This was the point I decided to put on my big girl pants and chose to bet on myself. Where I chose to invest money, that I had spent years saving, to start my own business. Where I chose to challenge and make myself uncomfortable and where I chose to continue to learn and grow (and make some mistakes along the way).
I was in a new state where I didn’t know a soul with a newborn and a 2 year old and, now, was starting a business. People who don’t know me well often ask, “how did you take on so much change at once?” or “are you crazy?”. My friends and family, however, are not surprised. I believe it comes down to attitude and perspective. We talk quite a bit in my practice about victors and victims. About the people who believe that they are in control of their own decisions and destiny and those who believe things just happen to them. I set goals and figure out how to achieve them. I tackle the hard decisions head on, the scary ones that others are afraid to make. I am a victor.
I started thinking about all the people I know who are in jobs they hate. Working in companies or for bosses that make them miserable; places that fail to inspire and empower their employees. I did not want that for myself. I wanted to be in control of my own time, work on projects I was inspired by, and knew I wanted to be coaching and leading teams. At the end of the day, I decided that my experience, talents and passion could be best used helping small business owners create workplaces that were profitable, stable, and inspiring to themselves and their employees.
Today, a half year later, I am happily on my new path. The choice I made to bet on myself was the best decision for me and my family. It is one I will never regret making. Working with the amazingly talented clients and partners I have met this year has been both inspiring and humbling. I am a victor. I created my current reality by my choices and I am only looking to the future.
As this year starts winding down, I ask you to think about your own career and your own life. Are you happy? Inspired? In the personal or professional place you had hoped to be? If not, I challenge you to CHOOSE to make changes (even small ones) that start you the path you dream of.
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