Creating a New Future...Lessons Learned Along the Way

It’s hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of March 2020. Things are very different than when this month began, and we are living in a time unlike any other we’ve experienced. We are facing new challenges, working in new ways, and limiting our activities. We are forced to slow down when we are so used to being constantly busy. We are facing global fear and uncertainty, and things we once took for granted, like obtaining essential groceries, are no longer guaranteed.

I started this year sharing information focused on setting goals to help you be at your best, and working on #you2020. That was before the recent pandemic crisis was upon us with so much uncertainty, and quite frankly fear. It’s easy in times like this to put personal goals aside, or let current events distract us, but instead, I challenge you to remain focused! The focus on your goals, even if they need to be re-prioritized or updated based on current circumstances, can help you retain a sense of control, reduce stress and elevate your mood in a time when you may be feeling like so much is out of our control. Remember, creating the best you is a long-term, never-ending journey and this is simply a detour. So I ask you, will you accept the challenge and keep working on creating #you2020? Will you reflect on and update your goals, keep working your plan and maintain momentum?

I have decided to share my personal #you2020 story that began in March 2019, and the lessons I have learned over the past year. As I reflect on them in light of our current situation, it strikes me that these lessons not only apply to what I have faced during this period of career transition, but to any period of transition and uncertainty.

The pivotal point in my story began at the end of March 2019 when I found out that my job was changing and would be eliminated. I was facing major uncertainty and  went through the normal roller coaster of emotions that any major change brings. I was filled with more questions than answers. I was scared, but at the same time, excited about embracing something new. I had this nagging feeling that with 2020 on the horizon, it was time for a big change—but what? Should I take the safe, comfortable route?  Or do I take a risk and leap into the scary unknown?

I was intrigued by several of the options that opened up for me both inside and outside of my company and spent a lot of time considering them all. With the help of colleagues, friends and family, I devoted time to weighing my options and gaining clarity about what I really wanted. In July 2019, I worked my last day at the company I had been with for nearly 23 years! This was a company where I built a successful career, along with many amazing relationships. A company that felt like a part of me and still does to this day. However, I decided to take the leap and move on from this place where I had become so comfortable and explore a different path. I was both energized and terrified by the canvas of possibility in front of me. I had moments of self-doubt and often wondered if I was crazy and making a mistake, feeling very uncertain about what the future would hold.  

And now here I am, one year and several valuable lessons later! I still have many of those same feelings and questions as I write this next chapter of my life, but I also feel a sense of calm, confidence and absolute certainty that I made the right decision. Who knows what the future will bring - we can really never know for sure. What I do know is courage, strength and focus can help weather any uncertainty and challenge.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have leaders, mentors, HR colleagues, friends, and family who listened openly and objectively, offering support, guidance and wisdom. Trust me—they didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear, but they always made sure I was thinking things through. Naturally, not everyone I encountered was supportive or understood the direction I was heading, and there were several challenges I had to overcome. Over the last year, I have learned several key lessons that I share here to offer insight, guidance and hope, no matter where you are on your own personal journey.

• Listen to your inner voice and quiet the “noise” around you. Everyone you meet has an opinion or advice to offer. Sit still long enough to listen to your inner voice and let it guide you - it can offer clarity and is wiser than you might think!
• Don’t go it alone! Connection with others is so important and something we crave in times of uncertainty. Use resources available to you and stay connected to the people in your network. They will help you learn about new opportunities, keep you motivated and give you fresh ideas and support.
• Take your time. Cherish the gift of time and the unique chance to invest in yourself in whatever way you choose—take up a hobby, pursue education, spend time with family and friends, etc. Don’t rush into the next thing. Take time to be thoughtful about where you are, what you want next and how you’ll get there.
• Remember that it’s ok to say no. You can’t be everything to everyone. The clearer you are about where you want to go and what you are looking for, the greater focus you will have. Learn how to prioritize what is important to you and if something comes your way that doesn’t fit with your future vision or priorities, or doesn't feel right, be okay with saying “no, thank you”.
• Think about the WORK you love and are seeking more than a JOB/JOB TITLE and let that guide you as you look at new opportunities. Consider what you’re really good at and like to do, how you like to do it, what new experiences and skills you need, and which companies may be a good fit.
• Leave no stone unturned! Some opportunities that I have pursued didn’t seem right at first, but I decided to have a conversation anyway and I’ve always been glad I did!  Every conversation is a chance to expand your network, learn something new and practice talking about who you are, what you do and what you are looking for. It can also help bring more clarity to your personal vision, so have the conversation!
• Stay positive and take care of you! The basics: eat right, sleep well, exercise and don’t forget to make time for fun. A healthy you that feels good is important to keep you going and at your best!
• Lean into your fears—they can give you fire, create that uncomfortable space to fuel growth, and build your confidence and courage. As Helene Lerner points out in her book The Confidence Myth, confidence is “simply feeling the fear, but doing it anyway”.
• Be present and surround yourself with people, places and things that help you continue to stay positive, move forward and focus on the future.

Everyone’s journey is unique and we must do what is right and works for us. I’ve been amazed at how many people have been willing to talk to me about their experiences, the paths they took, and their lessons learned so I could incorporate them into my process and make my journey a little bit smoother. I know that as I continue down my path and navigate the ups and downs, I’m learning and growing along the way. It hasn’t all been easy, but it has been worth it, and I can say one year later that YES!  I made the best decision for me – and would do it all over again!

Wherever you are in your own journey and whatever challenges and triumphs you are facing, I hope the lessons I’ve shared can offer you guidance and inspiration to keep going. In the words of Bruce Lee, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not and add what is uniquely your own.” 

Don’t forget to take time to enjoy the ride and look for the silver linings! “Count your blessings. Things can always get better and could always be worse.” –Donald Neviaser