Taking the leap

I embarked on a journey to share more of my thoughts, develop my own independent leadership services practice and pursue some of my old interests – all with the aim of trying to improve the quality of the impact I have on the lives around me and my own. Here are some key reflections from being and betting on myself.

1.        Patience is THE virtue – it’s all part of the journey

Everything takes much longer and follows a much more unpredictable path than you can imagine. Everything must serve the ultimate goal – why you are in business, why you are trying to help people, why you are trying to add value? The ultimate goal or the ultimate why -  is ultimately a lifelong exploration. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.

2.        Self-awareness and vulnerability

The process of developing the practice you want to provide others is an ongoing process of self-discovery. It requires authenticity and a willingness to follow your passions wherever they lead and crucially, sharing this enthusiasm and passion with others and always creating space for the feedback (good or bad, valuable or less so) you receive.

3.        Openness and adaptability

Things change, options fail, plans develop – what turns out to be an idea for a product to support a particular business might turn into a programme – the route to this conclusion might be a series of rejections.

You have to balance your overall goal with an openness to take any route to achieving it. Being too attached or too invested in any specific idea, strategy or plan that you have developed – willing to pivot or adapt in a moment.

4.        Meet them where they are.

So you have a clear passion, you know how you want to help and you have a great idea. Now what? You have to focus on the person who NEEDS you. You have to have a clear sense of who you are trying to help and how you intend to add value. This needs to be clear to them. If it is not completely clear you have to revisit how specifically you have been invited to help and make sure that this is in direct alignment with how you are presenting yourself to a marketplace. Opportunities are everywhere – follow the people, places and things you are most passionate about helping.

5.        “Purpose” is actually the foundation.

We hear a lot about purpose from self-help gurus and influencers but it’s honestly the foundation. Why you do something becomes how you do something which becomes what you do consistently. It also moves beyond business, your purpose in the lives of the people closest to you – your passions and interests are not distinct from your purpose. Study who you are – a concept formed in dialogue with your immediate environment and through your own reflection & introspection. There will be many unknowns and uncertainties. Failures and successes on this journey have just as much to teach you. Embrace the things you aren’t quite comfortable with. Enjoy the process of investigating who you are to yourself and the world around you. The value you add to lives will be uncovered and purpose will be revealed. Often, it’s staring you right in the face…

If you are interested in discussing purpose or feeling somewhat adrift on the journey of betting on yourself – don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!