Inspirement Part 2 (Hurry Less)
At my farewell party a few weeks ago, my boss Luis commented that since I announced my departure last January, I seemed to work harder than ever. ? I don’t think I was actually working harder, but I certainly did not slow down.? Working hard has been my career security.? Since 4th grade when I squeezed in last to the class of gifted and talented kids, I have used sheer willpower to overcome any gaps in raw intellect. I think lots of people with imposter syndrome deploy the same strategy - we aren’t sure how we got here but we are sure we better work hard to stay.
That dedication, along with ambition and good coaching has served me well.? I have built brands, led teams and grown people and business results in ways that make me proud. So what now?
A very successful friend in her 60’s recently shared with me her new commitment to strive less.? The idea seemed appealing but as I deconstructed it, I realized that my issue is not the striving itself, but a desire to reassess what it is that I am striving to achieve.? In this next chapter I want to be even more intentional about how much work I do and how that work can better serve others.
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?In grad school I ate standing up with a fork in one hand and my homework in the other.? As a young mom, I took my son to the playground and sat on the bench glued to my email.? For many decades when I went to dinner with friends my eyes constantly drifted to my watch, worried that I needed to get home to do work or to get in bed so I could get up early to do work. For years I have walked fast, multi-tasked constantly and mastered the art of looking like I was listening when I was already onto the next task in my head.
So the first step in my Inspirement is to Hurry Less. I want to linger over conversations, write in my journal, visit friends, read books.? Give myself the time and space to understand what it is that is worth striving for.
When I bought my new computer (yes when you leave your corporate job you have to do that!)? Apple spontaneously picked the picture above as my log-in profile. Somehow they knew that this next phase needs to be about slowing down to laugh more and enjoy the ride!
Senior Vice President - Brokerage Services
2 年Cammie, thanks so much for sharing this invaluable advice! Your tremendous leadership & exceptional vision have blessed so many of us! Excited for you with your next chapter! Look forward to continuing to share the journey with you!
PR at fortyseven communications
2 年Needed to read this - best of luck Cammie!
Outsourced Branding Expert, Executive Creative Director, Marketing Consultant and Author | San Francisco Bay Area | Lisbon, Portugal
2 年Cammie DunawayI love hearing this. It took me 4 years of intense leadership training to separate the muscle from the bone about where my (our) true value lies – in our being, not our doing. I love that you're making space for the "space in between", which is where all the richness lives. Bryan and I try to live by the "go slow to go fast" mantra but you're making me think again… why are we going so damned fast in the first place?! Kudos for modeling for others what you want more of in your life. ? I've always admired your "calm groundedness" in your career journey and openness to "what's next". Everything you do, you commit fully, and it sounds like this next commitment is to YOU! The highest of fives and hugs to you my friend. ??
Senior Marketing Director, Google – Global Android Ecosystem ● 360-Degree Marketing ● DE&I Sponsor
2 年This was such a lovely read. Thank you for sharing.
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER/FRACTIONAL HR LEADER Trusted Advisor ? Collaborative Business Partner ? Culture and Team Developer
2 年Love this. Having your new computer pick this picture that shows pure joy is a sign ??