Lessons Learned

I was asked recently to speak to a group of young adults about the experiences and lessons that have made a difference in my career and my life.  These are some of the most impactful lessons that I have learned throughout my career journey.... 

ü  Always maintain a Circle of Advisors

o   Mentors, coaches, trusted advisors that you can reach out to for advice and guidance

ü  Do not allow feedback or setbacks to define your destiny.   Adopt a “no excuses” attitude.

ü  Do not allow negative situations or circumstances to define your destiny.  “Take the high road” and do not allow negative circumstances (bad news, getting overlooked, negative feedback) to weigh you down.  Learn to “Keep it moving”!

ü  Relationships are important.  They last well beyond jobs. Relationships transcend cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, international boundaries and languages.  Never burn bridges!

ü  Always give back!  Adopt a servant attitude.  Reach back and help someone else who may be struggling.  Find opportunities to serve your community.

ü  Do not just Talk-the-Talk, Always Walk-the-Walk.  Keep your word and do what you say you will do.

ü  Work to live, do not live to work.  Understand that your JOB is not why you live, it only supports your lifestyle. 

ü  “Suit up”.  Recognize that your demeanor and appearance DOES matter.  Not just your clothes, but also your posture and your attitude.

ü  Set clear goals that are well beyond where you are today.  Believe that you can achieve them.

ü  Stay focused!  You will encounter many distractions in life.  Life will always “show up”.  Stay focused on your goals and make adjustments when necessary.

ü  Invest in yourself.  Look for opportunities to grow and develop (read, take classes, seek knowledge through the internet, find a mentor).  No money is no excuse!

ü  Networking is important.  Build and maintain a network of people that are outside of your immediate personal and professional circle. 

Transition

I have taken a LONG break from my blog to focus on a very personal
life transition. I am back now and I am anxious to hear from you.
I have been on quite a journey over the past year. It has been my time to
let go of the fear and to WALK THE WALK. The past year was my time to step
WAY outside of my comfort zone, leave a comfortable corporate job and
start a journey towards greater fulfillment and purpose.

This was the first career transition that I have faced in my adult life.
I am sure the thought of staying at one company for over 20 years is strange
in a society where people change jobs regularly. I must admit that I had
become comfortable, complacent, bored and unmotivated. This is not a
good place to be in. A series of major family issues caused me to reexamine
every aspect of my life. When trouble comes, there is a tendency to look
for solutions. For me, this meant finding ways to relieve stress so that I
could manage my life more effectively.  I am a mother, a wife, a caregiver
for an aging parent and a professional.  My lifestyle is a classic example of
what it is like to be part of the sandwich generation.  I am in a stage of my life
that I could not rehearse. The challenges have been daunting. I am often juggling
the responsibilities of caring for an aging parent, a blended family of six children
and the responsibilities of a demanding career. I find myself reflecting on whether the
life that I am living is as good as it gets. Can anyone out there relate to me?

Although the choice of a career transition was obvious and timely, my path
forward was anything but clear. After I started working on my exit plan from
my job, my company did me a favor by extending the offer to retire early.
After the initial shock, excitement and joy set in and I gladly accepted. J
What’s next? Now I am on a journey towards my purpose.

No more distractions...
No more excuses….
No more procrastination…

It feels great to wake up each day and to know that even though things are not perfect,
I am living purposefully, serving others and influencing lives.