I often use the phrase, “I wish I could tell you but my crystal ball is in the shop.” Sometimes it’s so hard to plan for now when you have no idea what’s next. You might guess, have a vague idea, be sure or be completely clueless. And even with a solid paper trail or great evidence to support a seemingly predictable outcome, you might be 100% correct or way wrong. In so many situations, you only know when you know and you might not even be able to tell when that is or when it will be!
Learning to live comfortably with uncertainty is a practiced and acquired skill. So much in the world these days seems precarious, surprising, and even shocking. I feel like so many of us are erratic, on edge, and unsettled simply reacting to the news of the day. From crazy hot weather patterns to domestic politics, financial developments to the skyrocketing price of groceries– we have no idea what could be right around the corner.
I’m happy to say that I’ve gotten better at the concept of letting go a bit and “stress surfing,” meaning acknowledging the fear the unknown brings, but not letting the scary and negative what ifs take me on a downward spiral. Especially recently. And for a known semi-control freak like me, that’s headline news. Some might even call it an epic breakthrough. I know I’m not in control of all of the factors affecting my life so I’d rather be calm and enjoy today than panic about tomorrow. (No, I haven’t thrown my hands in the air like I don’t care and given up. I’m just doing what I can to to positively affect any and all outcomes to all of the scenarios I’ve been facing.) I’m convinced that achieving mastery of this particular skill will seriously enhance the happiness quotient in my life, and perhaps yours, too.
Not too long ago I made a major professional transition. It was a long time coming but the immediate days after the news broke were a bit tense and certainly challenging. (Sometimes drama just follows me! What can I say?!) I tried to lean on the kind of supportive advice that I’m always giving others, which is some form of, “You’ve got this. You’re in control of your destiny (sort of!). I promise you’ll be ok.” etc.
The move that I made was a great one with an outstanding firm, but understandably temporary until I could fully immerse myself in the discovery process and land a more permanent role. The journey was filled with exciting and unexpected twists (aren’t they all?) and I picked up some amazing little tidbits and garnered some incredible industry support along the way. (Colleagues that I honestly consider family at this point were (and are) truly amazing! You know who you are, so thank you so so much. I’m forever grateful.) In the end, I am thrilled with the results of the process and have made the leap forward to the proverbial next step.
I’m far from the new girl, a neophyte, or a fresh face on the scene. I’m a seasoned professional who’s earned her stripes building relationships and closing deals. I’m no longer resume focused or out to impress anyone. I am however still all about the hustle, making connections, helping others, and of course getting deals closed using creative and relatable marketing. C’mon! It’s my signature style that earned me my reputation in the first place. And anyone who knows me knows that I just looove doing new business. And I’m totally convinced that I’ve found a place where I can achieve all of this and more. (Insert mandatory clapping here!) But wait… there’s even more…
So after a not so brief fifteen years (plus) hopefully breaking records (a girl can dream) and killing it in my new spot (yep, I’m going for it), I think I might have stumbled across an ingenious post-retirement gig that might actually appeal to many of you. Eventually we could all be looking forward to…
jenslittleblackbook.com 