Time to read: 55 seconds (So you can get out in your garden. It's spring!)
Frank's holiday cards
A hundred years ago, I worked with an amazing man. Frank worked hard during the school year then adventured all summer in his car and on his bike. Each Christmas, he mailed a card with a photo from his travels and the exact same quote. The quote was:
"If we don't change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are heading." ~ Chinese proverb
This quote has been rattling around in my head as I've talked to friends and clients this week.
Consider this: You're on a path in your career. Although that path is not controllable or predictable (e.g. layoffs, health issues, babies, and winning the lottery to name a few possible interruptions), you can visualize the path ahead of you. Look at the people who are 10 or 20 years older than you. Look at the leaders who are a few steps above you on the food chain.
Do you like what you see? Do you like the way they live? Do you share their personal and professional priorities and values?
Now, take a look at your own thoughts and choices. Do you feel in integrity with yourself? Are your work and life in balance in the way you want them to be? Are you taking care of your body, mind and spirit? Do you tell yourself, "When I retire, I'll ____(fill in the blank with your dream for the future)?
I offer you a slightly modified version of the quote I received every December for many years. "If you don't change your direction, you are likely to end up where you are heading."
How do you like where you are heading?
If you love it, great! Keeping going.
If you don't, now is the time to change your direction.
As always, I love to hear from you. If these thoughts struck a chord, email me and tell me all about it!
With all kinds of rebel love,
Christina
P.S. If one of your friends or colleagues needs a nudge to consider a change of direction, share this newsletter with them. They can join our merry band of rebels here.