Shifty Business ??

Chilllleee,

At this point in life, I've lost count of how many times I've had to pivot careers or pivot a business. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that during those big life changes I had tonnnsss of shame and guilt that I was changing up something about my life again. Even though some people have given me kudos for my ability to constantly re-invent myself, what they didn't know was that?behind the scenes I would go through agony and suffering because I couldn't seem to chart a linear path, and gave?myself a hard time because I felt like my change was letting people down.?In all honesty, my?journey looked more like a zentangle doodle than the linear route they primed me to expect in school. And although social media coming onto the scene complicated things - these days we can't really?shed old skin quietly - it was important for me to go through that period of feeling discomfort with hard or unpopular decisions because it built up?self-awareness,?resilience and determination to be my best version.

Why do these three?character traits matter? Because the only person holding your compass is you. The only person that knows when an opportunity doesn't feel right in your gut is you. The only voice that will tell you?taking that traditional path the rest of your classmates are saying yes to will not make you an industry trailblazer, thought leader or innovative disruptor - is you. Truth is, not everyone is going to be on board for the hard decisions that you have to make in your life, but let me tell you two secrets that I wish someone could have told me way back when - don't take it personally when people can't see what you see yet,?it's your viewpoint for a reason; and nothing convinces people that you've made sound decisions?better than positive results.?A survey by Forbes Insights found that over 50% of executives believe their inability to embrace change was a significant factor in missing business opportunities. CBInsights reports that about 38% of startups fail because they fail to pivot or adapt to market needs. What might have the world have gained if they had been willing to pivot, even when it was uncomfortable?

Don't waste time beating yourself up about another change you need to make like I did. Adopt my wisdom from those challenging times and never stop looking social pressures or fear in the face and choosing to pivot or change anyways. Some of my most significant contributions to clients, my community and industries was on the other side of a hard decision, change or pivot. Some of the greatest inventors over the last 100 years were socially outcast, or introverts, or recluse or considered "odd" until they revealed their brilliance to the world and earned their place in history. It's okay to be misunderstood. It's not okay to let it end you. Before any leap onto the road less traveled, just ask yourself these three questions?- Will this change cause harm to me or anyone I love? Will I be worse off for making this decision? Will I be able to forgive myself if I do not try or miss this opportunity? If you get three no's, trust the invisible safety net and proceed on with joy. Be more afraid of stagnation than discomfort. Beyond our comfort zone is where the most?growth happens.?You never know when what only you can see with your two eyes is the?very perspective needed to improve your life and change the world.

Go be great,

View Author's LinkedIN Profile | Booking Links