A proper break at last!
If you’re anything like me, it can be hard to step off the hamster wheel and take a break when you’re in the thick of the day to day. Or even to imagine that it might be possible.
Christmas seems to be one of the only times where many of us feel that we can do just that.
We may be encouraged / allowed / forced to take time off at this time of year
It’s one of the only times of year where things either shut or quieten down enough so we feel we won’t be too missed or miss out on too much.
Time for reflection
Whether you’re working or taking a break, this is often a period of reflection, especially as we approach the end of the year. A break from our normal routines gives us time to think and to reflect on a few things. You may join me in thinking about some or all of these:
– What you’ve achieved
– Where you’re heading
– How you’re feeling
– What will you continue doing
– What will you do differently
What have you achieved?
It’s not uncommon to look back over the last year to see what we’ve achieved. We may have had a great year, or things may not have gone quite to plan. It can nevertheless be useful to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re at.
How do you rate your year? What went well? What didn’t go so well? What can be carried over with you for next year? What did you learn? What is best left forgotten?
Taking advantage of the break for such insights can be invaluable.
Where are you heading?
I’m fortunate to talk to a lot of people through my work. Some people have a very clear picture of where they’re heading and what they want to do. Others have absolutely no idea – not at the start anyway. Sometimes they just know they want something different.
But, who really knows what the future holds? I certainly don’t and I feel that’s been proven over and over during the last 2 years.
However, it’s great to have somewhere to aim towards. If not, how will you know when you get there?
“I want to live a long, satisfying, purposeful and financially free life and to empower and support others to do the same”. This is my personal mission.
To achieve this, I assume I’ll be working for the next 20 years or so, and I want to be doing something I feel really passionate about. Maybe I’m on the right path, already – that would be fantastic! But maybe I’m still finding my way too and this will evolve over time. Only time will tell for sure.
Where are you heading?
How are you feeling?
Our feelings can be instrumental in the actions we take. They can spur us forward. They can hold us back. Sometimes we’re in touch with our feelings. Sometimes they seem to be buried deep. At times, it can feel like our emotions are the ones controlling us!
What can you feel?
Is it excitement? Maybe you have something exciting brewing for 2022!
Is it apprehension? Maybe you’re embarking on something new, that can be understandable…or maybe it’s the general malaise and ambiguity.
Do you feel fear and dread? About going back to work in January? About working for the next X years of your life?
Any combination of these feelings are normal, along with countless others. I don’t want to make assumptions about how you’re feeling, any more than I want to judge those feelings.
But, my question is “Is this how you’d like to feel? “
Do you know how to improve your feelings? Do you know what makes you happy? Do you know what inspires and excites you? Do you know what motivates you?
Would you like to know and are you open to explore?
What will you do differently?
The start of a new year represents a new opportunity.
Maybe you’ll do nothing different. That’s OK. It’s your life. It’s your choice. As long as you know that you do have choices.
You may well circle back to this at another time. When you’re ready for this.
Maybe you’ll decide that you want or need to do something. At this stage you’re not sure what, or how, or when. But the seed has been planted.
Maybe you’ve decided that 2022 will be Your Year – what a great time to start!
There’s a popular Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
So, what are you planting today? What actions can you take – however big or small – that can help you to get there?
Can you do this?
Of course, you can. If you can dream it, you can do it. You are embarking on a path that many others have trodden. They decided to do something and they’ve worked (or are working) towards it. Some get ‘lucky’ and make it first time. Others need to course correct along the way. Many need some help in identifying where they want to go in the first place.
That’s OK. There are often people along they meet along the way that can act as guides.
But you can also start today, whilst you’re off the hamster wheel for a little longer:
The first step is reflection – you may need to give yourself some time and space for this to happen.
The second step is deciding to act.
The third step is actually taking steps forward…no matter how small they may seem.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you’d like any help along your journey, why not book a Career Discussion call or learn more about the Career Compass. I trod a similar path not so long ago and I’d be happy to help you along yours too.
Wrap-up
It can be hard to take a break and step off the hamster wheel when we’re in the thick of the day to day, or even to imagine that might be possible. The end of the year seems to be one of the only times when many of us feel that we can do just that.
- Take advantage of the break to take some time to reflect – where have you been, where are you now and where are you aiming?
- Make a choice – to continue on your current path or to course correct in someway.
- Own your choice.
- Move a few steps closer to your dreams!
Thanks for reading. Check out other Blue Diamond articles to help you take control of your work and life.
