I’ve been in a mood lately. A little restless. A lot ready for something new. And while I now know that this is good news, I didn’t always feel that way.
I have a history of restlessness in my life. A personal life that has taken more twists and turns than the girl who grew up on an isolated Tennessee farm could ever have expected, and a career that has morphed into a life spent as a certifiable introvert, whose job is all about people.
And it’s all good.
But getting here hasn’t been without uncertainty, struggle, missteps, wrong steps and pain.
The good news? There’s more of that ahead.
Um… yay?
Because I’ve been around the block a few times, I now realize that growth doesn’t happen without change – and change inevitably involves facing the unknown, taking some risks, and the possibility of failure.
So as I’ve sat with my current restlessness, and have begun to explore paths to move ahead, I’ve thought back over the sidesteps, steps backward, and giant (scary) leaps forward in my career (and life). The only constant thing has been change.
Thankfully, my attitude toward change has evolved.
My first job was an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and build. However, after six years, I’d hit the end of the rope, and even though I was bored, I didn’t feel the freedom to make a change since my career was secondary in our household. As a result, I’d probably still be working there if my then husband had not accepted a relocation opportunity. Unfortunately, I’d become complacent, so change ultimately happened TO me.
The next seven years was full of professional growth and achievement in a job that I loved, but for too many reasons to recount, my personal life kind of fell apart. I knew it was past time to make some big changes, but I felt defeated and worthless. Thankfully, change FOUND me, and even though I was scared to death, I grabbed at the lifeline when it was thrown to me.
Three years later, I’d been through the most challenging and rewarding part of my career, being a part of an executive team that successfully turned around, and profitably sold a company. That would have been an ideal time to move on, but I’d become comfortable. Instead of listening to my gut and paying attention to a million signs pointing to the need for change, I didn’t budge. Until the decision to make a change was made FOR me.
This unexpected change was the best thing that ever happened to me.
As a result of my (perceived) safety net being removed, I was forced to take steps to get unstuck, get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and move into the driver’s seat in my own life.
It took me almost 25 years to realize that I wanted to own my path. It took me almost 25 years to be willing to step out in faith and trust in my experiences, my instincts, and the people around me who want to help me succeed. It took me almost 25 years to realize that I didn’t want change to happen to me, to find me, or to be made for me.
Now, I know that I want to choose my change.
And then when I do, I must jump.
What’s it like to take that leap of faith? Steve Harvey sums it up pretty well in this clip:
(Email subscribers click here to view the video.)
I feel the need… the need for change.
I feel the need… the need for growth.
What’s next? More of what I love to do – speaking at conferences and corporate events; training leadership, human resources, and recruiting teams; and coaching emerging leaders, executives and entrepreneurs who never want to stop growing and developing.
What will be new? Expanding the opportunities to encourage, equip and empower leaders through creating content and resources, the addition of expanded coaching programs, and development of online courses.
I’m excited. I hope you’ll join me on the journey.
Maybe it’s also time for you to choose your change – and jump. I’m ready. Are you?
