I Want a Do Over

63% of you would say you feel disengaged according to Gallup at work with 24% saying that just can’t stand their job. We choose that option. There’s always a choice. Yes, it’s a living, bills have to be paid. But, it’s still a choice that you don’t have to accept as permanent.

Sometimes the change doesn’t always mean you have to leave the company or role you’re in, you just have to look at it differently. Find different purpose or intentional use of your skills. Your current skills and job sets only have at the most a shelf life of 5 years.

I’d start with the relationships you have built around you. Those relationships are your savings account and almost always yield advice, direction, or opportunities to do something different in the event you ever get stuck. Start with a journal blank page. List out your relationships. Which ones are great? Which ones need more care for future resourcing? Which ones do you have that are holding you back?

Any of those people that are holding you back need to be let go? Let them go! They’re undermining you, giving you bad advice or perspective, and increasing the likely hood your relevance in your current role has a expiration attached to it.

Any of those that are great or need more investing in, spend investments of planned time weekly in nurturing them. It’s definitely a two way street in those relationships, so don’t lose them because you failed to water or invest in those relationships. Keep connected with them.

Love this quote:

“Relationships get you the first gig.”

Jon Acuff

My first gig I have to thank Barbara for. She knows who she is, but she’s the connection I am forever thankful that got me into the career I love and continue to love 9 years later.

Don’t be afraid to make a sidle hustle or grind. What I really mean by that, is in between the work life pick up some learning or new skills work. It will help you find a better job in the one that you’re currently doing right now. Break through your job ceiling by bringing mastery in new skills to an old game. Bosses love finding new resources in their employees that they didn’t know they had to achieve big work. Become that tool by sharpening your invisible skills then bring them to the table in your next connection with the boss.

“Relationships get you the first gig but skills get you the second.”

Jon Acuff

A lot of our opportunity to do something over in our life, lives in our character. The thing that I have found is with all the extra skill training outside of my role at work, I’ve found new passions and new loves. It’s not enough any more for just a promotion, I want something bigger for myself. And, it’s not tied directly or anchored any more in my profession. It’s something I can take anywhere. My curb appeal gets really strong.

My character is what’s made it possible for me to create some different or deeper relationships too. The character that I’ve built is the optics to which people will measure me against. Is Shawn’s character good? Can I trust him based on his character traits? Some ways I do this is by farming out my newly learned skills or talents to others that need help. Generosity. Empathy comes into play as I show I care by giving the best ideas to others who want them, so they can exceed. Selflessness. Simple ways to deliver great optics of your character in a genuine way that people love to be connected to.

Lastly, how married are you to your initial expectations for your current role? As I said earlier, our skills sets and talents have a shelf life in today’s world of about 5 years or less. You need to grind. Try your best everyday even when you don’t want to. It stands out and gets noticed. Holding onto initial expectations and not perfecting your grind in something new prevents growth. Creates stagnation. Some seasons will require you to give more than you take. Be ready for it by staying sharp as you grind.

The do over is possible. Finding out along the way what you really want out of your grind can help. Feed and support the networks that you have. Try something new on the side as a hustle to build new skills you don’t have to increase your investment opportunity. Treat work like you’re working in an incubator that is set up to attract Angel Investors. You do over is in sight. Just within reach!

✌🏻 Shawn