INSIGHTS (on leadership/self-leadership)
It’s almost ingrained in us, this need to keep our options open. But let me, instead, extol the virtues of closing some doors. Fewer options means more focus. It means less overthinking, more forward movement. It means being more at peace, less at internal war; closure vs. ongoing angst. Or maybe, do so simply because of what Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, says:
“Close some doors. Not because of pride, incapacity, or ignorance, but simply because they no longer lead somewhere.”
What doors to close? An option no longer in your best interest, or of interest. An identity no longer representative of who you are, today. A relationship that no longer feeds your soul. An opportunity that’s now a distraction.
There’s a saying, “When a door closes, a window opens.” Maybe. That’s nice if it does. But I’m asking you to simply sit in the comfort of some avenues shut down. Replaced with nothing but a simpler life, and the ability to go deep, not wide.
IMPERFECTIONS (a mistake many, including me, have made)
Building on the above, sometimes we just stay in one place too long; in our career, and in life. It’s a mistake I’ve certainly made. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to know your value, and go where you’re appreciated. A story, to illustrate. A father gave his daughter an old car he’d stored away, as a graduation gift. He told her to take it to a used car lot to see how much they’d offer her for it. She did, and returned, telling her father they offered just $1,000 because the car looked worn out. The father then asked her to take it to a salvage shop, which she did, where she was only offered $100 because of the car’s age. Finally, the father asked her to take it to a car club, which she did, returning to excitedly report they offered $100,000 because the car happened to be a rare classic sought by collectors. Dad’s response?
“The right place values you the right way. If you’re someplace you’re not valued, don’t be angry, it just means you’re in the wrong place.”
It’s an important career lesson (and life lesson). Never stay in a place where you’re not valued. Your unique contributions deserve a place where they can be fully appreciated.
IMPLEMENTATION (one research-backed strategy, tip, or tool)
It seems like there’s never enough resources to accomplish the things we want to. Never enough time, money, people – you name it. We need more so we can do/be more. It’s a common refrain in the business world, and a common regret in our lives.
But I’d ask this of you. Don’t buy in so quickly to the idea that there just isn’t enough. Instead, make a habit of asking (others, and yourself), “Are we short on resources, or resourcefulness?”
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