I recently found myself in a dire situation after my computer crapped out. In a panic, I reached out to my trusty computer wizard, knowing he couldn’t come immediately but could make it the next day. This wizard of mine, typically engrossed in networking for a large company, also dabbled in troubleshooting on the side.
When he arrived, I noticed there was a certain glow about him. He had lost weight and exhibited newfound zeal for life. He seemed genuinely happy. He attributed the transformation to a newfound focus on refreshing and life renewal. I knew he had gone through a tough time. Despite facing personal tragedies such as the loss of his mom and stepdad and encountering setbacks, he chose to perceive them as opportunities for growth and advancement.
“I’m reshaping my life,” he declared. “This past year has thrown challenges my way, but I see them as steppingstones toward a new plan. I think it’s important to rethink your goals every so often and I have been on autopilot for a long time. I haven’t been thinking, I’ve just been doing.”
Curious, I probed him for details on his newfound philosophy. He emphasized the importance of self-assessment and honesty. He acknowledged personal goals, achievements, setbacks and identified patterns hindering growth. The most important thing, he told me, was to be honest with yourself.
He shared his recent experience of revamping his career trajectory, urging me to consider the same. It was about being proactive, documenting achievements and presenting a well-thought-out plan to stakeholders. His bold move resulted in a substantial raise and an endorsement of his organizational vision for the next couple of years. Reminds me of when I was in business with my late sister, Sonna. We sat down every few months and reviewed where we had been and where we felt the business should be heading. It’s not only empowering; it made us feel in control.
Belief in the power of change and staying attuned to opportunities were themes he underscored. Drawing inspiration from his mother’s values, he embraced the act of giving back, even in the face of uncertainty. As humans, I believe we spend our time trying to achieve a level of comfortableness. We don’t like uncertainty. Unfortunately, growth doesn’t live in the comfortable world. Look at those people in our world who have made great strides; they try things that aren’t popular and make most people shudder.
“Do you know your value system?” my friend asked me. “Always base your decisions on your values, not societal expectations. When times are tough, do you stay true to your values?” I started thinking, do I really know what matters to me? It’s been a long time since I’ve examined what’s important to me.
My friend advocated for shedding relationships and possessions that no longer served growth and embracing simplicity. Seeking diverse perspectives, nurturing mental well-being and embracing failure as a learning opportunity were essential facets of his journey.
As he departed, leaving my computer restored and my mind reinvigorated, his words lingered in my mind. In the dance of life, he reminded me, change is inevitable. It’s our response to it that defines our path forward.
Lisbeth Calandrino has been promoting retail strategies for the last 20 years. To have her speak at your business or to schedule a consultation, contact her at lcalandrino@nycap.rr.com
