Thriving Through Two Years: A Worthwhile Whirlwind

This week marked my second-year milestone at IDinsight - a phase where you're not quite a rookie but not yet a seasoned pro. Admittedly, I was so engrossed in the hustle that I nearly forgot about it until a teammate reminded me. This second year has been a whirlwind: a promotion, more projects, jet-setting to new places, and yes, a fair share of postponed goals and lessons learned from setbacks. As I took a breather this week, I couldn't help but ponder over the five nuggets of wisdom that have guided me through this year. Allow me to share these with you.

• The Power of Audacity

Let me take you back to a team retreat at Sagana Rapids, where one of the activities involved taking a daring leap from the top of a waterfall into a river. Picture me, standing on the precipice, heart pounding like a drum solo at a rock concert. I muttered a litany of prayers, questioned my sanity, and maybe shed a silent tear before I took the leap. For a moment, I think my soul went on a short vacation and returned when the water gave me a good wallop. The pain! Sitting wasn't my forte for the next week, but oh, was it worth it! Someone once asked me what subject I'd love to teach, and without hesitation, I said, Audacity! It's not about being fully qualified for every endeavour. It's about daring yourself to try, even when you feel like a fish out of water. You'll end up working on projects you never thought possible and discovering new limits. Sure, you might hit a few bumps along the way, but either way, you'll learn. So, let audacity be your North Star. Remember, the best lessons in life aren't confined to classrooms; they're found in the bold dance with the unknown.

• Curiosity: The Beacon of Endless Discovery

Ever observed a cat chasing a laser pointer, utterly captivated? That's the level of curiosity I'm advocating for in your work. It's important to be curious about what you're working on. Now, this is much easier when you truly relish what you do. Year two reminded me that curiosity is the gateway to unending professional development. Seek to understand, explore new territories, and revel in the thrill of discovery. When curiosity is your co-pilot, every day is an opportunity for a Eureka moment. So, toss aside the notion that curiosity is reserved for scientists and let it be your key to unlocking boundless potential!

• Authenticity: Unleashing Your Inner Dynamo

In a world that sometimes feels like a grand theatrical stage, remember, you're both the star and the director of your own play. Authenticity isn't just a trendy buzzword; it's the secret sauce that leaves an indelible mark on those around you. Show up authentically as you. Your quirks, your passions, your unique brilliance—let them shine! I recently had a heart-to-heart with a colleague about the impact we have in our workplaces. One crucial aspect people often underestimate is the influence we, as individuals, have based on how we present ourselves. It's in the way we speak, carry ourselves, treat others, and put our best foot forward, among other things. It's not just about the work you do. Yes, be excellent at your job, but also be unapologetically you. People might forget the specifics of what you accomplished, but they'll never forget how you made them feel. And if, for any reason, you find yourself in a space where authenticity feels like a luxury, work to create that safe haven for others.

• Make Your Leadership Visible.

Ever wondered what transpires behind the scenes in a CEO's mind? I certainly did until I witnessed the brilliance of a leader who bared her soul. Our amazing former CEO regularly shared insights with the entire organization about her day-to-day experiences—what she was feeling, the observations she made, the thoughts on her mind, the struggles she faced, and the tough decisions she grappled with. It was an unexpected revelation. How often do you get a backstage pass to a CEO's musings? Through this, she bridged the gap between herself and the organization, making us feel closer to her and to the collective mission. Now, I've taken this practice to heart with my own team. I engage in candid conversations about my own challenges and the thoughts that occupy my mind. I make both my successes and failures visible so they know they're not navigating this journey alone. We're all part of a shared human experience. The result? A culture of trust, camaraderie, and collective triumph.

• The Remedy For Burnout Is Not Rest

Ah, burnout - the covert saboteur of productivity. The antidote? It's not just rest, but proactive energy management. Recognize your own rhythm. Acknowledge your peaks and valleys of productivity and proactively plan your time accordingly. The remedy for burnout isn't waiting until you're at your wits end; it's about taking a step back and recalibrating before you reach that precipice. One of my major epiphanies this year has been the direct correlation between my productivity at work and my commitment to personal goals. When my commitment to my personal goals falters, the other tends to follow suit, so I'm learning to integrate the two. Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint, and sustainable success is the name of the game.

As I bid farewell to the whirlwind that was year two, let me share with you the wise words of Winston Churchill:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

Equipped with audacity, curiosity, authenticity, transparent leadership, and energy wisdom, you're poised to tackle whatever lies ahead. So, fellow adventurers, here’s to the next chapter - may it be filled with audacious leaps, curious explorations, and authentic triumphs!