Lesson 6: Taking a look at yourself professionally
Bridging the gap
You know what you're good at. You know what you want to do. Now, how do you plan to achieve the goals? For those familiar with gap analysis, that is exactly the model we are going to use.
Take a good look at where you are professionally, right now.
Create a desired future state for yourself. This is your desired future; no one else's, so be good to yourself. You may want a part time job that pays XX/hour and has you home to put your children off to school and there when they get home. Why not? You may want a radical career change with little effort. You may want to go back to school without draining all your financial reserves. Truly envision it and write it down. Commit your desire and energy to seeing it come true.
Now, comes the time to bridge the gap. What needs to happen, and in some cases who do you need to become, to achieve these goals? Do you have to arrange for child care? Do you have to purchase or lease an automobile? Do you have to travel? What will it take to see the future become a reality?
Before you go off and add another list of things to do to achieve your glorious future, take a look at your current life again. Where are you going to put those classes, that workshop, those lessons? In order to create a great future, you have to discard some of the stuff that is in your present.
I learned a lot when a friend shared the following exercise with me. Please complete it and reflect on what you discover.
Draw a circle and divide into as many sections as things that occupy your time. For instance: children's taxi, working, cooking, laundry, paying bills, dealing with ex-spouse, self-development, spiritual pursuits, etc. Now, carve out of 100% the amount of energy you spend on each those activities. Do this now.
When I saw my results, I realized I was expending 280% of my 100% energy. No wonder I was tired all the time!
Now, make some time for bridging your gap. Make a list of the things you can get rid of and the things you need to take care of in order to bring your future to pass. It can be great fun and helps you keep your focus.
You will notice that I said you can get rid of some things. Too often we focus on adding to our lives without creating the space or energy for it. This is about bridging the gap, not filling it. In order to bridge something, dirt has to be removed to provide for the structures that will create strength and support for the new way to cross. You will need to remove some dirt, dig up some roots, and provide a fertile space for the new structure to be built. When you know what is important to you it becomes easier (not easy, but easier) to say no to things and to make room for the new behavior. It will take some time, but you are worth the effort.
Let me know your plans.
