Lived and Loved

Look back to move forward. I keep learning this lesson, so it may be worth sharing. I’m future-oriented and would rather speculate wildly about how the next chapter might unfold instead of digging into my past experiences with a fine-tooth-comb. But, the moments where I sit down and think about my patterns and habits are when I learn the most and get ready for a leap-frog moment in my development. ----- During a leadership program a few years back, I took the blinders off for an exercise and got to know myself better. The task was simple: find 5 photos of yourself at different ages and consider who you were at each of those stages of life. What mattered to you? How did you make decisions? Looking back exposed a new pattern. It was one of ramping up intensity, taking on more and more (because, of course I could do MORE), and then flaming out. I did it because I liked it. This was completely self-imposed. -> I enjoyed the identity of being the person who could do it all: balance high school, and college courses, and a job, and a social life. -> I felt proud being the only student working full-time in the college department, getting my tuition covered because I was an actual employee (not just a student worker). -> At work, I felt strong when I took on extra-curriculars and led initiatives I cared about (on top of my more-than-full-time role), plus travel, plus candidate interviews. I would go too hard, take on too much, feel overwhelmed, and then not know how to un-do the choices I had made. I felt so stuck in each of these moments. I thought it was a ME problem. ----- Each time, I thought that if I just did the math better, or the calendar better, I could figure it out and keep going at the same speed indefinitely. Spoiler alert: That never worked. I would either get sick (because my body rebelled and needed a break) or make a dramatic change and opt out for a while (because my mind took over and decided that was the only escape hatch). ----- By stacking all the examples - I finally saw that it was an external validation thing. An identity problem. A letting-go of being the person who could do it all issue. Not a calendar puzzle or math equation. Only after seeing the repeating pattern could I break it. ----- I’m still working on shifting this mindset. I continue to get excited about things and want to take on a lot. At least now, I’m better at noticing the signs of needing a break before my body or brain pulls the rip cord to eject. I have fewer flame-outs in this world. Meet Katie over the years below and try the exercise yourself, it’s called ‘My Story in 5 Faces’, article linked in comments. #identity #patterns #selfreflection 

Do you ever wonder how you ended up on your current career path? Was it early conditioning, or choices made years ago? It is challenging to disrupt the status quo, and we might not even realize the factors that landed us on the journey we're on today. This week, let's reflect: What influenced your career choice? And, thinking from today's perspective, would these reasons still guide your choices? #CareerPath #Reflection #CareerChoices

Reflecting on our recent discussion about the benefits of in-person work, let's shift gears and consider remote working. Me, I like remote for heads-down work, and find myself hitting that flow state more often when I'm free of distractions at my desk. What's your take? Do you prefer remote work for certain tasks? Is hybrid truly the answer? #reflection #remotework #hybrid

I often categorize professional needs and desires into a 'hierarchy of needs' to understand their relative importance. ---- Let's break it down into three categories: 1️⃣ Nice-to-Haves: Preferences that, while not critical, can significantly enhance job satisfaction. 2️⃣ Essentials for Fulfillment: These are the aspects of a job that are crucial for satisfaction and fulfillment. 3️⃣ Non-Negotiables: The absolute deal-breakers. Compromising on these (like accepting a fully in-office role when you need a hybrid environment) can lead to dissatisfaction quickly. ----- Reflection for this week: What are your career non-negotiables? Are they being met in your current role? Share your thoughts below! #CareerDevelopment #JobSatisfaction #Reflection

Let's dive into a topic that's crucial yet not frequently discussed in our work lives: identifying opportunities and advocating for ourselves. It's common to chase after roles and projects that seem lucrative or prestigious, but is there more to consider? Think about it – the opportunities that truly transform our careers, the ones that we look back on with a sense of fulfillment, aren't always the ones with obvious rewards or recognition. They are often the ones where we saw something others didn't, where we believed in our own unique value and made a compelling case for it. So, here's a reflective prompt for us this week: "How do you identify opportunities and make a case for why you are the best person for them?" This isn't just about spotting chances; it's about understanding our own strengths and confidently presenting them. How do you navigate this process in your professional journey? What strategies have helped you shine in your unique way? #reflection #selfadvocacy #professionalgrowth

Let's chat about something we don’t often bring up in the work context: pride in what we do. Sure, we all want to pick projects that make business sense, but it's not always about the bottom line, right? Think about it – the work that really sticks with you years later, the stuff you’re genuinely proud of, isn’t always what brought in the most cash or the loudest applause. So, here’s a thought for the week: Why not take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this year? I’m talking about the projects that gave you that real sense of pride. It’s these moments, big or small, that truly matter in the long run. I’d love to hear from you too. What’s something you’ve done this year that you’re really proud of? Let’s celebrate those wins together! #reflection #goodquestions #yearinreview

Taking breaks is crucial, not just for rest and rejuvenation, but also to foster creativity and allow for spontaneous moments that enrich our lives. Despite their importance, it's challenging to fit them into our bustling schedules filled with work, travel, family, and various commitments. This week, I'm curious about your experiences with extended breaks from work. Have you ever taken a significant hiatus – several weeks or even months – to truly disconnect and reset? I'd love to hear about your journey. How did it impact you personally and professionally? What did you learn? #reflectionquestions #development #careerbreak

Sometimes work feels like a slog. And other times you pick your head up and can't believe so many hours passed while engrossed in a task. This is often called 'flow' - I like to think of it as work not feeling like work. For me, this happens when I'm deep in thought on a writing or strategy project, lost in ideas, and scribbling on sheets of paper strewn across my desk. It's almost cathartic to get the raw materials out and then start to shape them into something useful. What does it look like for you - when was the last time you got completely lost in your work? #reflectionquestions #flow #purpose

Some of us love working in person. Some of us love working remotely. Some of us love a mix. There are good and less good parts for any model. As leaders, our job is to wring the most good out of whatever environment we are operating. So, what's great about when you get to work with colleagues in person? #reflection #inperson #workenvironment