My 7 Year Old Self

Move into your goals with intention. When we do, it’s so much easier to find the energy and motivation to continue on. I’ve learned from several of my blogging peers, books I’ve read, and podcasts talking to a younger or older version of yourself can help. I decided to check in with my 7 year old self.

It’s starts with a simple question. When I was 7 years old I want to be: ______________

For me it was being an architect. My 7 year old self loved to build and create. The imagination it took to think how each Lego could go together and build a house. I was fascinated by anything that gave me this building space outlet to create in. I was engaged the most by challenges of creating something out of nothing. Cities like Chicago and Detroit where I grew up, I was so excited and energized to be around. So many buildings and skyscrapers. Who and how did they figure out to make them so grand? Fit just right together? A sort of urban story book emerged. I would reverse engineer these stories and break them apart. At least as much as a 7 year old could. I wanted to be an architect.

Now my 44 year old self looking back, did I become an architect? No. However, I kind of did. I build teams now and people. They aren’t buildings. But, my approach to figuring out what’s best for them and best for their careers or personal journeys is something I really enjoy doing. I build, like an architect creating and fashioning something from nothing. I help and will continue to help others find the best versions of themselves. To build the best versions of themselves. Instead of creating neighborhoods I help to create communities of people and teams. Crafting and building vision and purpose. Working with people and teams is just as gratifying. At times more fulfilling than working with brick and steel. I am an architect.

I love it and it gives me a feeling of intentionality. It gives me purpose everyday. It fuels me.

I’ve spent the better part of the end of this month with you getting us ready for a New Year with my last few posts. I’ve hoped they have helped. Go into this New Year of resolutions and goal setting with reflection first. Go deep. Don’t just blindly throw up something and hope it sticks. Find purpose and intention in it. Check in with your younger self. That purpose still lives in the older version. It is never to late to bring it into the light and shine this new year.

✌🏻 Shawn