Week 14 - Go All In

Growing up in Texas, my family and friends often played Texas Hold Em poker.

For those unfamiliar, there is a tactic where you have a hand, it may not be your ideal cards, but you say "All In" and the others have to decide if they believe you have it or if you are bluffing.

It all plays out, some it advantages and disadvantages.

When I created and led a global internship program and became responsible for new joiner experience, I noticed how those at early to mid-career levels would seek new career opportunities for growth unapologetically. Often considering changing companies in order to gain more experience to grow their income and experience. A new environment may not always be the answer, a career or industry pivot may not always pan out on your desired timeline, but what remains true is the power of following your heart and intuition to be true to yourself personally and professionally.

As someone who has worked professionally for 13 years, in a hybrid career as a corporate professional and wellness leader (teaching in studio Yoga and Pilates, leading workshops and speaking at conferences), what I see is the multi-faceted lattice to develop yourself, secondary streams of income, and pursue hobbies that increase your happiness.

The days are gone were only a professional development plan exists, we need a holistic personal/professional growth plan that addresses our career, our health, and expands our financial portfolio.

As someone who accidentally (or at least it felt that way) began making money outside of work teaching movement classes or facilitating personal development programs, I found the that diving in wholeheartedly into your profession and your passion is key to fulfillment.

Certainly, you cannot have it all without sacrifice. My encouragement to you is that you define your own success criteria in your season of life and work.

Now is the time to go all in - on your career, health, personal priorities, and passions.

Take a long-sighted view. Instead of exploring the greener grass or settling for stagnancy, can you encourage yourself through your own community and accountability to raise the bar where you are.

What if all you desired - more time, money, energy, and joy were possible within or beyond your current environment and existing opportunity.

Many teachers and thought wisdom leaders, speak of the power of now of being present. Yet when our thoughts have us halfhearted, we cannot tap in to the potential or growth within our current opportunity.

So be where you are, now. Allow yourself to have a beginner's mind - as if you have woken up to this one life, one job, one new challenge or direction and go all in.

It's when you go halfway or do not allow yourself to fall in love with your work, self, or others, that you limit the possibilities and potential within you.

Contemplate one area and one action you can take. Go all in, even if that is betting on and believing in yourself when you feel no one else does.

Lean into the light. Outline a plan. Take a step. Go all in.