by Solange Lopes | Aug 27, 2018 | Career
Disclaimer: Please note this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you decide to purchase the products linked to this post.
Have you ever lost so much control of your time you found yourself rushing from one thing to the next ? I certainly have. Besides, I come from a long family tradition of running on adrenaline. As a child, I watched my mother run from one task to the other, as she strived to be both mom and dad for all four of us. Growing up, I thought it was normal to be constantly on the run, until showing up at the wrong address too many times was no longer cool. While my mom was particularly skilled at multi-tasking, I realized I was simply suffering from chronical disorganization, along with creating my own sense of time. And also that it was time to reclaim my time, as Auntie Maxine Waters says it so well…
via GIPHY
After a few particularly rough months of missing all my appointments, barely making it on time to pick up the kids, and burning dinner quite a few times in a row, I realized it was time to regain control of my time. No pun intended. As a busy working mom like so many others, there are so many competing priorities in my schedule that it’s easy to lose control.
When dealing with the demands of work and life, the biggest obstacle we may run into, especially as working women, is lack of time. There is never enough time to do it all. Yet, we can’t seem to take anything away from our schedules. On the very contrary, we keep adding to our list of to-do’s, praying the gods of efficiency and productivity to help us cram it all in while still looking and hopefully feeling the part.
There were times when losing control of my time didn’t just mean incurring late fees, missing client appointments, or having to explain to my kids what the meaning of “chronic lateness” really is. It also meant more stress than necessary, and not being fully present as a mom, spouse, and friend.
Ultimately, it meant having to take a good hard look at my schedule and committing to reclaiming my time, whatever it took. In my quest to regain control of the hours in my day, here are a few steps I took, which saved my sanity, edges and dark under-eye circles:
-
Assess how you use your time
Have you ever had a particularly busy day and been so exhausted at the end of it, only to ask yourself where all your time went? We face so many demands at work and in life that we often lose track of where our time goes. My quest at reclaiming my time started out with honestly assessing where my time went. This also meant sitting down with a blank piece of paper and my favorite “Girl Power” pen at the beginning and end of each day and take a serious inventory of my schedule.
As an auditor by trade, I was accustomed to filling out time sheets as related to my work. However, my personal life and time was a different story. What I found out, to my planning horror, was that how I envisioned my time, had very little to do with how I actually spent it. While I saw myself as being very effective at multi-tasking, what I was doing was actually delaying important tasks, over-committing and not being as productive as I thought. Can you say reality check?
To keep myself on track, I still assess the use of my time regularly. I do this by taking a “big picture” look at my monthly schedule and goals using the Erin Condren collection, especially the metallic monthly deskpad planner. It helps me take an honest look at how I had organized my schedule, and whether or not I’ve met my goals. The best part about this 17-month deskpad is that it holds enough room to take notes, make lists and keep track of multiple schedules and appointments, all in one place. I love having it on-hand wherever I need it, from my kitchen counter to my office desk. Being able to accessorize it with the 387 platinum stickers included with each pad is also a wonderful bonus!
Erin Condren Metallic Monthly Deskpad
Erin Condren Monthly Deskpad Planner
-
Commit to planning better
Once I faced the reality of my scheduling snafus, it was time to make a conscious commitment to planning and using my time better. It all begins with mindset. Eradicating the belief that one must rush and hustle at all times, and instead commit to being fully present and effective in everything we do, is key.
Erin Condren Life Planner
Erin Condren Life Planner
One of the best ways to committing to doing something is by writing it down first. There’s something about putting pen to paper that cements your decision and makes it real for you. As you write it down, you can also visualize it.
One of my favorite tools to keep myself on track is the Erin Condren Life Planner. More than a planner, it’s actually an experience personalized for your individual needs and schedule! I used to be frustrated at traditional planners because of their rigid format that didn’t reflect my life as a working mom! With the signature Life Planner, I can add my name and favorite quotes, plan for months ahead, list and follow up on my goals, while having control over the layouts that work best for me.
Erin Condren Life Planner
Erin Condren Life Planner
-
Use the power of technology
While I’m nowhere close to being a technology pro, I’ve learnt to use it as a powerful tool to get organized. This is why I literally take my phone with me everywhere I go, so I can access my favorite and most efficient apps, calendars and email. From apps to help me with directions to mobile banking, I have access to the tools I need to tackle the tasks on my to-do list.
It helps that I can protect my technology tools with practical and beautiful tools such as the Erin Condren phone wallets. These help me protect my phone in style, while allowing me the room and ability to store smaller important documents such as my license and credit cards. A great perk is the ability to customize it, add your favorite inspirational quote, as well as your name. This way, I’m efficient on the go without having to carry too many things, while still enjoying beautiful and motivating accessories.
Erin Condren Phone Wallet
-
Make organization fun again!
I used to think of planning and organization as one of the most boring activity, right next to dentists’ appointments and watching paint dry. However, I realized it takes the right mindset and tools to make organization fun again! The prospect of accomplishing your goals and objectives is exciting, and the process to get there should be too!
This is why I enjoy Erin Condren’s organizational tools so much. Some of my favorites include this stylish planner folio to carry your planner, as well a journal or notebook, business or compliment cards, and your favorite pen! If you’re often on-the-go, you know how important it is to have your essential planning tools in one spot. The best part for me is that it is customized with your name and favorite quote to keep you motivated and inspired! It helps when you can combine the useful with the stylish and fun too!
Erin Condren Planner Folio
Erin Condren Planner Folio
How are you reclaiming your time?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 21, 2018 | Career
I was at work, in my zone, checking box after box of deliverables when my cell phone rang. It was home. I couldn’t pick up; besides, I was in the flow and didn’t want to stop just yet. The phone kept ringing, over and over again. “It must be important”, I thought. I needed to take a biological break anyways, so I picked up, walking towards the ladies’ room by the corridor. The rest was a blur, as the news I received dealt me a physical blow so hard I had to sit on the carpeted floor for a few minutes.My grand-mother had just passed away, and I was hearing the news all the way from West Africa. Saying that I was devastated was an understatement. Memories kept flooding my mind, as I desperately fought to find a way to get it together in the office.
Like me, you may have faced a personal crisis at work. It may have been the loss of a loved one. Or the crushing end of a marriage. Or a friendship imploding. Whatever it may have been, a personal crisis can be amplified and made almost impossible to manage when you have to handle being at work throughout part or the entirety of the process.
Besides, personal challenges and crisis affect the way you see and think about work. When you experience loss, your career suddenly takes a backseat, and rightfully so. In Bridget Jones, Bridget leaves her job after finding out her boyfriend cheats on her (it also didn’t help that he was his boss). There are many scenarios, some of them in our favorite movies, when people change their whole careers after a personal crisis.
When personal crisis hits and everything seems to fall apart as the monthly report is due and the boss is breathing down your neck, you don’t have to fall apart. Here are a few ways to keep standing when the world is crashing down around you:
-
Take a time-out
Dealing with your emotions and feelings when you’re going through a personal crisis is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! Whether you take a personal day or use your vacation or bereavement time, make sure to observe some time to grieve over whatever you may be experiencing!
Related: 3 ways to manage your emotions at work as a working woman
It may be time to mourn over the loss of a dear one, to get over a marriage crisis, or simply to absorb some delicate financial or health-related news. Whatever it may be, not taking the time to do so will end up having repercussions on your life and work in the short and long-term.
-
Communicate!
As an introvert, I always find it challenging to communicate when facing a personal crisis, especially at work. However, we must understand that our relationships, whether personal or professional, do not necessarily understand what we may be going through.
This is why it’s so important to open the communication gates and allow those around you, to understand what you are facing. This is not about telling everyone your personal business, but rather opening lines of communication to facilitate a process that is already challenging for you.
-
Consider your options
When facing a personal crisis at work, you must consider your available options. You may be able to take some time off, use bereavement time, or even access some mental health resources offered by your organization. However, if you don’t know about these or fail to consider them, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage.
While it may be challenging to do so, consider consulting with your Human Resources department. You can also talk to co-workers and friends to evaluate your options.
-
Focus on healing
As important as work may be to you, your healing and health, both physical and mental, takes precedence. Focus on your well-being, and recovering from whatever crisis you may be facing. If it requires taking some time off, then so be it.
Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs during this process. The more you can work at emerging from the crisis you may be facing, the better you can be in life and at work.
-
Make a plan
Facing a personal crisis at work takes a toll on you. The longer the crisis remains unsolved, the more it affects you personally and professionally. As difficult as it may be, make a plan to deal with this crisis. This may mean having a plan to take some time off, using some of the resources offered by your organization, taking a loan out of your savings, or any other type of plan.
Committing to a few steps to turn the crisis you may be facing can go a long way towards healing and actually learning from the experience. If you can trust your co-workers and management, you may consider asking them to help you through your plan and keep you accountable.
-
Stand up for yourself…
There are times when you may have to face a personal crisis at work alone. Your co-workers or management may not necessarily understand or empathize with what you may be going through. You may also be hesitant to share your process and experience with them. You may even face opposition or flat-out resentment from those you work with. This may be the case when you need to take some time off, go on a leave, or be more flexible in your schedule, as it may also impose additional demands on your team or department.
In these cases, as challenging as it may be, you may want to stand up for yourself and exercise your rights. Make sure to collaborate with your team as much as possible in the process. However, you must take care of yourself first, even if that means standing up to your team or organization for the sake of your well-being.
-
But be kind to you!
Facing a personal crisis at work is painful. As much as you may want others to show compassion and kindness to you, you must be kind to yourself first. This also means assessing your needs as honestly as you can, and allowing yourself the time and space to heal.
All in all, we may all at some point or another, face a personal crisis at work. Life just happens, and sometimes everything falls apart. In these cases, the most important thing to remember is that at the end of the day, our health, sanity and well-being comes first.
Now your turn: Have you faced a personal crisis at work? How did you deal with it?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 17, 2018 | Career
Welcome to our career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion weekly news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
- This week, we mourn the loss of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Essence remembers her in this article;
- Are you an introvert? US News tips you off on how to improve your interview game as an introvert;
- Glassdoor shares 5 free resume templates you never knew you had;
- Business Insider shares the full list of the 25 women CEOs in the Fortune 500;
- Should you be worried about your replacement taking your job after maternity leave? Working Mother has the answer;
- Ellevate Network shares how your diet can affect your work performance;
- The Muse lists the 9 highest-rated career books of 2018;
- Ellevate Network lists seven (7) things to consider before ditching your corporate job;
- Corporette shares how to get your style groove back.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 14, 2018 | Career
Have you ever been stuck in a job you hate, but had no way to leave? Have you ever started a business that you ended up resenting and even despising in the long run? Did you embark on a professional mission that you started with excitement, but that now makes you dread getting up in the morning?
If you’ve ever been in any of these situations, you know these are far from pleasant. You spend so much time at work that the stress of doing work you hate can take a serious toll on you. You may also feel like you’re wasting your talents, or not contributing to society as much as you’d like. Maybe you feel like you should do something meaningful and have an impact on your generation. Or maybe you’re not sure what your dream career is, but you know this is definitely not it.
Related: You are not your job: How not to let your career define you
I remember in one instance feeling physically stuck, to the point of not being able to regulate my breath properly. At the time, there was a sense of hopelessness and sheer panic, as it seemed I drifted further and further away from the person I wanted to be and the work I was meant to do.
It’s one thing to try and fail, and start over again. It’s another to simply sense that you’re glued to a certain occupation that consumes the majority of your time, and that you frankly don’t enjoy. We all want to do good work, contribute to society, and make an impact. When our hands are tied and we’re unable to do so, we start drowning in the mundane sea of daily to-do’s, losing sight of our purpose, joy and drive.
Yet, the bills still have to get paid, shoes bought, and cell phone services paid. Which means we can’t exactly pick up and leave jobs, no matter how much they suck the life out of us. Getting unstuck doesn’t necessarily equate sending in your letter of resignation and backpacking through the Himalayas (although sometimes you may need to do just that). I’m not suggesting either to remain in a soul-sucking, motivation-draining, toxic career that threatens to deplete you of your sanity and well-being.
Actually, I’ve learnt that it starts with mastering where you are on the way to where you’re going:
-
Pick out the good (even if you have to squint)
When you’re doing work you hate, it can be challenging to make a mile-long list of things you enjoy. After your hourly coffee runs, scrolling Instagram on your lunch break, and having your 50thsnack of the day, your “good stuff” column may run low.
Even then, pick out the good in your circumstances. It may be your paycheck, your fun co-workers, or Friday’s special omelet with cheese at the cafeteria. The more you can see the good in your situation, the better it is.
-
Practice gratitude
Although I have to remind myself to practice gratitude daily, it’s one habit that always sets me up for success. To this day, I try and write a list of at least 10 things I’m grateful for about the work I do. It lifts me up, and changes my perspective, especially on days when it’s harder to get motivated.
Being grateful for the work you do is not just a mindset shift. It’s an actual shift in your attitude, from taking what you have for granted, to appreciating aspects of your work you may not have thought about before.
Related: 21 Days of Gratitude to Boost Your Career (Free Career Journal)
-
Realize your job is paying you to learn
This is one wisdom nugget I borrowed from entrepreneur and Curlbox founder Myleik Teele. Your job is indeed paying you to learn. From learning to work in team environments, to managing and contributing to meetings, not to mention handling challenges and acquiring specialized and general skills, your job, as much as you may hate it, is paying you to acquire knowledge.
No, you’re not working for your boss, your team, or even your company. You’re working to improve your skills, build your reputation and prepare yourself for a brighter future. That job you hate is setting you up for the one you’ll love and excel at down the road.
-
Your paycheck is your Freedom Fund
Let’s talk funds. That paycheck which may be the highlight of your bi-weekly period can also serve as the financial foundation of your dreams, or your Freedom Fund. Your Freedom Fund is the money you save while gainfully employed to invest in your dream business or simply put money aside as a reserve for the time when you take the leap.
That’s how I started my side hustle, by investing and re-investing some of my earnings into my business. In this sense, having a job while you build up your dreams is a wonderful opportunity.
Related: 10 Smart Financial Management Rules for Working Women
-
Build genuine connections
As much as you may not enjoy the work you may be currently doing, don’t forget the people factor. Building authentic and genuine connections is key to your success at work and in life. In the midst of the frustrations you may be experiencing in your work, take some time to forge and nurture healthy relationships through active and strategic networking.
Don’t get me wrong, this can definitely be more challenging in a toxic, gossip-ridden and negative environment. However, taking the high road and maintaining your professionalism can go a long way in keeping and growing your network, even at a job you’re not fond of.
Related: How to prepare for any networking event
-
Practice excellence
When all you can think about is how slow the clock is ticking before 5pm, it can be hard to think in terms of excellence. However, the true mark of leadership is to be excellent in less than excellent circumstances. Which also means going above and beyond even when your work is not motivating or inspiring you.
The key is to trick your mind into doing your absolute best work. If this were the career of your dreams, how would you treat it? How would your work ethics change? What would you do to go above and beyond? As you do this in less than ideal work circumstances, you’re training yourself to do it when you reach the C-suite, the business office, or your absolute dream career.
-
Remember, you create your reality!
In Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill explains at the beginning of the book how he was in less than ideal circumstances at his place of employment. He then proceeds to describe how a simple mindset shift propelled him to be more successful than he could have imagined in his work.
The point is, you are entirely up to you! It’s not so much your work circumstances, as much as your mindset, that determines the success of your outcomes. What you think you create. How about thinking of being successful doing work you love?
Being stuck doing work you hate is far from being the end-all-be-all of your career or life. Many of us have been there. However, what you do while you’re there is what really matters. Changing your mindset, and using your current work situation to plant the seeds for a better future, is what will take you from dreading to loving Monday mornings.
Your turn: How do you manage doing work you hate?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 7, 2018 | Career
Every year on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, I stop and think about what this day really means. In essence, it marks the length of time a Black woman has to work in order for her earnings to equal that of a white man for that year.
As of April 2018, per the National Partnership organization, for each dollar made by a white man, a black woman employed in a full-time position makes 63 cents. This is a much wider gap than that faced by white and some Asian-American women. However, Latina and Native American women face an even wider gap, at 54 and 57 cents respectively. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Black women can lose up to $870,000 in potential earnings over the course of their careers.
There are many reasons accounting for this gap, encompassing disparities in child care access, poverty, unemployment, as well as discrimination and harassment, to cite a few. However, despite these, there are a few ways that Black women can fight the pay gap:
-
Acknowledge the problem
As a Black woman at work, I have not always been aware of the reality of the pay gap. While it has become more widely known in recent years, I have to admit that there was a time when I barely suspected it. From conversations with fellow working women, I know I’m not the only one.
Whether because we’re not aware of it or we choose to ignore it out of fear or convenience, not acknowledging the problem is a problem in itself. The more we’re aware, and the more we do our research around it, the more equipped we are to address it.
-
Know your worth
As women in general, and Black women in particular, it can be easy to underestimate ourselves and our rightful professional contributions. From settling for sub-par compensation to fearing to ask for what we deserve, there are many ways in which we can unconsciously fail to know and ask for our worth.
It starts with research and being aware of the professional practices in place. What are the salaries for a certain position, in a given industry or business? What compensation and benefit practices are used? What packages are being offered to employees in similar locations, industries or companies? These are all questions that should be researched into and probed to find the corresponding answers. These will also be useful to assess your worth in terms of what is already being done in similar environments.
-
Be fearless
Fear is one of the major factors nurturing the pay gap. As a result of history, convenience and sheer intimidation, many hesitate to speak up in favor of reducing this pay gap. Some of these fears are certainly legitimate, especially when one’s paycheck depends on our not rocking the boat.
However, it’s important to learn to set aside the fear of challenge, change and even confrontation when necessary to resolve a gap that is unjustly affecting so many women.
-
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It wasn’t until I was well into my career that I realized the importance of negotiation, along with the art of it. Not negotiating also means leaving money on the table, from compensation to benefits and so much more.
Don’t’ be afraid to negotiate and ask for what you deserve. As stated earlier, it begins with doing your research and truly assessing your professional worth in terms of compensation, benefits and other perks.
-
Use confrontation strategically
As part of reducing the pay gap, there are instances in which confrontation may occur. However, it’s important to use it strategically and only when necessary. An informed, well-researched and documented approach goes a long way towards establishing the foundation for a healthy and productive conversation.
-
Vote for equal pay legislation
One aspect of the Black Women’s Pay Gap that is often overlooked is the legislation part. We often underestimate the impact of laws and those who make the laws on what we actually receive in our paycheck.
Being involved and aware of legislation, especially equal pay legislation, is crucial. This is a powerful way to understand the high-level dynamics affecting the compensation system, and most importantly, to positively affect it.
-
Keep your options open
Career mobility, done well, is also a powerful way to combat the pay gap. Understand that your options are not limited to your current company or pay structure. Do your research and understand the various choices you may have, and how these can contribute to reducing the pay gap.
Now your turn: How do/can we fight the pay gap?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 4, 2018 | Career
Welcome to our career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion weekly news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
- In notable news this week, the Huffington Post reports Riri made history as the first Black woman to land the British Vogue issue;
- Recruiter shares tips for talking gender equity at work;
- Forbes shares the 12 hidden crises most working women face;
- Corporette shares tips on optimizing your sleep;
- Calling all mom entrepreneurs! Ellevate Network shares why morning routines are so important to mompreneurs;
- Did you know Facebook is pushing out a new dating feature? Business Insider shares the deets;
- Facing age discrimination in hiring practices? US News suggests ways to fight it;
- Ellevate Network lists three leadership goals to set for each stage of your career;
- Email folders driving you insane? Damsel in Dior has a few pointers;
- Have you gotten your first Instapot yet? Making Sense of Cents share her 10 favorite Instant recipes;
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 3, 2018 | Career, Find Your Purpose
Have you ever introduced yourself by saying something along the lines of “I’m a doctor”, or “I’m a professor”, or whatever your profession may be? Is your job title one of the first things you utter when introducing yourself? Do you have a hard time talking about yourself outside of your job?If you’ve answered any of these questions with a resounding “yes”, or have nodded at any of these, chances are you may have been using your career to define you. And so many working women, and men for that matter.
For the longest time, I extracted much of my value from my career and professional credentials. As a Black woman especially, it seems having a viable and successful career, despite the odds you may be facing, may give you added credibility. It’s hard to enter any networking room without letting your career or professional credits precede you. As much as it may be necessary in some settings, it may also prompt us to define ourselves, not by who we are, but by what we do. This became even more obvious to me as I transitioned careers and had the hardest time detaching myself from what I used to do. I literally had to train my mind to think of myself in a different way, to the point of having to ask myself who I had become in the process of getting so absorbed in my career.
The danger is we often get so imbibed with our work that we fail to keep in touch with ourselves as we grow and evolve. This gets us even further stuck into routines and processes that may not be beneficial for us, since we have lost touch with what our current needs, skills, talents and abilities truly are. As a result, we deprive ourselves of fruitful and beneficial opportunities to create the work and life of our dreams.
In a world that’s obsessed with titles and external appearances on glossy Instagram pages, how can one manage not to let his/her career, as successful as it may be? Does it mean that we would abdicate success in our careers, or miss out on opportunities? Actually not. As a matter of fact, it can actually boost your career. The clearer you are about who you are, even as you grow and evolve, the more you’re able to pour into your career, in a more intentional and successful way.
Here are 7 ways not to let your career define you:
-
Re-evaluate your mindset about your career
Much of our mindsets about our careers and the work we do is inherited. Your parents may have passed on some of their beliefs about work. Or it may have been your family and friends, or even your current or past co-workers. These beliefs may have pushed you to define yourself according to your career. In certain cultures for instance, as in many African cultures, many parents direct their children towards prestigious careers such as engineering, medicine, or other similar professions…
This is why it’s so important to re-evaluate and change your mindset about work, and your career in general. Yes, you need to pay the bills and care for yourself and your family. However, you also need, and deserve, to maximize your potential and be fulfilled at work. Which brings us to…
-
Learn to decipher your Purpose
There has been a lot of talk recently about purpose and life mission. It seems everywhere you turn, there’s a new slogan about following your purpose and being purposeful. However, the prospect of finding and applying something as big as your purpose can be daunting, and quite frankly, discouraging. It’s much simpler to do the “normal” thing, have a cushy job, climb the corporate or business ladder, pay your bills, and live a regular life.
There was a moment in my own career when I asked myself the question: “Is this it? Is this all there is?” Not that I was ungrateful for the many blessings I had professionally. Yet, as you may have experienced, there was a yearning in me to do more and stretch my potential further, as far as it could go. I just didn’t know how.
The key to learning to decipher one’s Purpose (it’s a process) is to learn to recognize who you are and what you are made of. This often starts with your passions and desires. What do you love to do? What natural skills and talents do you have? What sets you on fire? For me, it was recognizing that I’ve always had a talent and passion for writing. Through this, I uncovered a desire to teach and share as well.
-
Understand that your purpose can take different forms at different times of your life
What I came to understand is that Purpose can take many different forms at different points in your life. While your ultimate purpose may be to serve women, for instance, in this season, you may have to stay committed to reaching the top of your industry. In the next season, purpose may take you into business creation and expansion.
The point is, while it’s important to understand your purpose, it’s also crucial not to define yourself by where you’re at on the way to where you’re going.
-
Align your career with your purpose
Yes, this is easier said than done. While we often look at the Oprahs of this world, living and working in the fullness of their purpose, it can be a tad bit more challenging when it comes to our lives. After all, we don’t wake up like Beyonce, don’t have Soul Sundays like Oprah, and definitely need our lives fixed by Iyanla. Yet who said aligning our careers with our purpose meant emulating Oprah’s work? Or being as accomplished as Beyonce right away?
As a matter of fact, it may just be as simple as starting with some subtle changes to our schedules and work. Passionate about writing? Start freelancing on the side. In love with fashion design? Consider volunteering on the side or even as part of your 9-to-5 if possible. Eyeing a top position in a discipline you don’t consider yourself qualified for? Consider internal rotations at your company, informational interviews or getting a mentor in this field.
The point is, aligning your career with your purpose is not an overnight process. However, you can begin with a few small steps, from hustling on the side, to volunteering for projects at work, and even sharing your interests and passions. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step…
-
Cultivate authentic relationships
One of the reasons why we may tend to define ourselves by the work we do is sometimes because we lack the authentic and genuine support to help us become the best version of ourselves. You’ve heard the saying, you’re the sum of the five people you surround yourself with. The less authentic and the more superficial your relationships, the more you’ll tend to not show up as your most authentic self.
As a result, you may be looking for any external foundation to define yourself, such as your career. The right circle and networks will push you to become the best version of yourself, which in turn will allow you to do your best work intentionally. Yet, it all starts with you!
-
Don’t limit yourself
Many of us remain stuck in the box of our careers. If we’ve started a career in a certain field, we feel compelled to stay in the same field for fear of losing the experience and credentials we’ve built over time. I know I was in the same situation. After almost a decade in the corporate world, transitioning careers seemed impossible because I had defined myself this way for so long.
Limiting yourself to your past and current experiences as well as to defining yourself in a certain professional light will keep you from your personal best. Learn to see the many opportunities around you to apply your skills and talents, whether acquired or natural. Besides, you may not realize how much you’re able to re-purpose your experience, even at the personal level, to further professional and personal pursuits.
-
Be open to opportunities
Along the same lines, being open to new opportunities, as foreign as they may seem, will also keep you out of a restrictive “career box”. In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes explains how she committed to opening herself to new experiences by simply saying yes to these opportunities. In turn, she was able to tap into her potential and accomplish exploits, as well as achieve progress, she otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.
For me, it’s a matter of being willing to take risks and embrace challenges I may not always be comfortable with. The point is not for you to leave your job tomorrow. Rather, it’s about starting out by looking for ways to say yes to more opportunities to express your interests and passions, be of service, and ultimately achieve your dreams.
Now your turn: Have you allowed your career to define you?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
