My goal is supporting you in thriving at work and that includes thinking about what you're doing, how you're doing it, and where you're doing it. So, let me share a way of thinking about your career and a worksheet to help you identify where you are on your career adventure.

If you're like me, growing up you learned that if you finished school and got good grades, you could get a good job making good money, marry your sweetheart, move up the corporate ladder, settle down, and live happily ever after, just like in fairy tales. But, if you achieved all the things and still aren't living "happily ever after," what do you do? And, if you didn't do all these things and your life took a different path, what do you do?

Our lives are epic journeys, similar to stories like The Wizard of Oz, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and the Harry Potter books. There are books on this, like Joseph Campbell's Hero of a Thousand Faces, but I'll give you a brief introduction. Think about the stories I just mentioned and follow along.

In each of these stories, the hero is a normal person (or hobbit) who gets jolted out of normal life by some challenge, catastrophe, or quest. At first there is the refusal of "the call" (i.e. they want to stay where it's familiar, comfortable, and safe). But, something urges them to accept the call, or they are forced to accept the call.

So, they start off on their journey. They have a plan that seems reasonable. ("I'll just go do this and then get back to my life.") On the way, they encounter difficulties, delays, detours, and demons. Fortunately, the hero has at least one magical tool (ruby slippers, special blade, magic wand, or invisibility cloak), which helps get them out of tough situations. And, they've got trustworthy sidekicks for companionship and support and mentors offering guidance. Along the way, they also have good experiences, like meeting allies and claiming small victories.

What does all this have to do with your career?
Your whole life is an epic adventure, and you're the hero in your life. So, your career shouldn't be separate from your life. ("Now I'm working. Now I'm living the rest of my life.") It should support you in your overall purpose for being alive.

As you think about your career path, is the road smooth, easy, clearly marked, and taking you where you want to go? (i.e. Are you cruising on autopilot? Have you reached your destination and are now living happily ever after?) Click here for a worksheet to pinpoint where you are.

No?! Think there's something wrong with you? Or, maybe you're thinking if you just switch departments, companies, or careers, then it will all be fine. Sometimes that works, but as a former Human Resources manager, I saw people do this, only to end up facing similar challenges once again.

If you're reading this, there is some call you have either already answered, or you are feeling the call. It's not always an easy path. When that happens, what do you do? Give up and forget your dreams? Go to "sleep" and just make it through each day? Or, push harder and work longer hours, thinking that more effort equals more progress?

Notice that the hero in each of the stories has a mentor or guide to help them get where they want to go. Dorothy has the Good Witch, Frodo has Gandalf, and Harry Potter has Professor Dumbledore. Well, you've got me. I'm not as old and I don't fly or wave a magic wand (so far as you know), but I've got some gifts, insights, and experience. I've helped a number of people on their journey, and I'd be delighted to help you. I'll share some handy tools with you so you can use them when you need to get out of tough situations.

Ready to Take a Step?
If you're feeling stuck, trapped, paralyzed, blocked or are in any of the other situations on the worksheet and are ready to create work you love, keep reading these articles and practicing small steps to move toward what you want. (Click here for past articles.)

For those who are feeling an internal nudge to take a bigger step, check out the upcoming classes below or email me and let's talk about what's going on, where you're stuck, and what you really want to experience in your work.

For those of you in HR or other leadership positions in organizations, in stressful times it's even more critical for employees to be healthy, inspired, and high-performing so they can carry the load without draining themselves. Click here to learn more or contact me.

Live well,

Christine
MBA, Doctor of Naturopathy