Equally as important as what you do to promote your career is what you do not do. All too often we get swept up in the whirlwinds of our lives. Unable to find the eye in the storm, we are bombarded by our to-dos and bogged down by our over-commitments. Trudged down in the trenches, we lose sight of the larger landscape. If we could just pause for a moment to notice our beautiful lives, our hardships and our poise, then I think we could achieve integration between our daily workloads and career aspirations.
This week, I invite you to acknowledge the transformations and transitions that are underway in your life, even if you can’t see their tangible results or reap immediate benefits of your hard work. You are constantly in motion, always in a state of growth and learning from each experience, whether easy or difficult. Below are some ways to find some semblance of renewal:
Allow yourself to shut off. Everyone, including you, must rest and recharge. It is unsafe and unhealthy to do otherwise. Do you know where your off switch is? Have you ever used it? Put parameters around your cell phone use and email checking, especially in the evenings. Turn off all lights in your sleeping area. Write down all of your thoughts on paper before going to bed. Clear your mind and allow your body to rest.
Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. As you walk, breathe in while taking three strides, then exhale while taking three more steps. Take the stairs, or park really far away and walk into the office. Get outside and walk at lunch. Take a mental health day and schedule a massage.
Keep your plans moving forward. Stay focused. You have been laying your career groundwork. You have been plotting your coordinates as you prepare and intend your next move to unfold. Make sure that you have clarity around your plan and follow it accordingly. Acknowledge your fear, but do not reside there. Continue nurturing your plan with patience while keeping your desired outcome in mind. Trust that all is working in your favor, because it is.
—Laura Newberry-Yokley, Holistic Leadership Coach
