The Pebbles in My Shoe
Shortly after I started my new business, I was talking with one of my friends and colleagues about my decision - my Why for making this change. She said something that stuck with me, "You've always seemed like you had a pebble in your shoe." She's referring to the fact that none of the roles I took on seemed to be exactly right for me. Though I was always learning and working with great people, there was always this nagging feeling that it wasn't quite right. Maybe it's also like Goldilocks with the three bowls of porridge - too hot, too cold, just right. I keep searching for the "just right."
One of the companies I worked for for most of my career was perfect for this "pebble issue." I was able to change my role every 1-3 years because the organization was always shifting, and I was very open to change. A leader would say, "there's this opportunity," and I'd say "Ok, I'll do it." I loved the ability to do a role for a period of time, figure it out, share some value, and then move on. But, as I've tried on all of these different roles, none of them have felt perfect for me. I kept feeling that I was supposed to do something different or more with my life. Maybe this is a sign that I'm never happy with what I have but I prefer to look at it as a driver to find exactly what I'm supposed to be doing with my career, how I'm supposed to be using the skills and capabilities I've been given for the greater good of the world around me.
As I've launched my business, I've had the opportunity to do a lot of thinking about what I love to do, what energizes me, and what brings me joy. I've found that I love coaching people and helping them find the insights they've been searching for; I've found that I love to write these blogs and my daily Linkedin posts; I've found that I love brainstorming on the art of the possible; and I've found that I love presenting/being in front of people - whether on a stage (DisruptHR), facilitating a workshop, or doing Facebook Live videos. Some of these things I did know about myself before, but it's really become clearer as I've had more time to reflect.
For those that know me, I'm clearly a "driver" with a focus on achievement of results...I need to show something for my work efforts. But, I'm also a creator and advisor (my StandOut profiles). My future self is going to continue to focus on this StandOut profile of myself because it truly aligns to what I've found myself loving to do. The "driver" will always be there to push me. Clearly, I need my business to grow and succeed or else I just have hobbies, but I'm going to continue to focus on realigning my version of what success looks like and how I value my contributions since I no longer have peers or bosses to tell me or a bonus to demonstrate my impact.
My word for the year is Impact, and each night, I'm writing down at least 1 thing where I believe I made a positive impact on the world around me. Some days, it's easy because one of my coaching clients will have a huge ah-ha and some days, they're harder to find in what I spent my day doing. I'm also trying to use my intentions on Impact as I go into different situations/meetings to be clear on what I want my impact to be.
Do you have a pebble in your shoe? Does the porridge never feel like it's at the right temperature? Trust me, I know how you're feeling, and I'd love to help. That pebble in your shoe is a sign that it's time to do some self-reflection on why it's still there or why it keeps coming back. I obviously am still exploring my future but I think that's the fun of life...discovering what you love and don't love and finding a path to do more of the good stuff.
Is it time to deal with that pebble so you can make the journey more pleasant?