April 21st 2020 in Career tips, Reinventing Relevance
I've rewritten this piece multiple times. Each with lots of fluff to make you, the reader, romanticize the journey of reinventing relevance. Here's the thing: reinventing relevance - the act of consciously evolving your professional life to build the life you want for yourself & your people, is hard work. In fact, it's really hard work. I'm not going to blow sunshine up your skirt. You want to be relevant in the 'new normal'? Roll up your sleeves and get to work. There's a lot to be done.
Start with these 5 questions we call the ETHOS model © Use it as a guide but remember, there are now grand illusions here. The journey ahead is long but worth it.
What do you want?
This question may seem simple, but it's often the most complex. This starts with identifying what you actually want. We can get so busy reacting to life that we forget to want for anything at all. Find a place of stillness, even if it's only for a couple of minutes, to give thought to what you really want. Choosing to build your work to fit the life you want takes an immense amount of dedication and resilience. For many, it's a pivot that takes years to make but it's worth it.
What can you do?
Take inventory of what you're capable of. This is not the time for modesty. What are you great at? What are you good at? What are you mediocre at? What can you improve to become great? What are you willing to keep working at to ensure you're relevant? Not sure? Consider an assessment like the CliftonStrengths Assessment (my personal fav) to uncover your innate talents & start building on those. Look for opportunities to use your talents to achieve your goals. Dream big! It's not rocket science; it just takes time and creativity.
What have you done?
This is where writing your resume can be helpful. Winning resumes focus on accomplishments and achievements. They highlight what you've done well and where you've contributed in the last 10-15 years. Once you've claimed your accomplishments, identify companies or industries that will value those skills. Don't want to stay in your current industry or profession? Get creative! Again, it's not rocket science. Instead, look for ways these accomplishments can benefit other industries or employers.
Who are you helping?
Progress is made with people. Does your work help other people? Have your accomplishments improved your corner of the globe? Not interested in helping others or bettering the world around you? Stop reading and unfollow, we're not for you. Still here? Great! Start identifying how you can help, who you want to help, and who can help you get there and start helping!
Where is this all taking you?
Do you like where you're going? Do you like who you've become? Are you headed down a path you're proud of? If so, GREAT! Keep going and find ways to build on the things that got you there. If you're on the wrong road, turn back. This will take time and a lot of work but it's worth it.
