After running a successful nonprofit organization for 12 years, I decided it was time for a new career chapter to begin. I stepped down. My position was filled with a new person.
Friends asked me:
“What’s next? Are you going to retire? Are you looking for a new job? What’s the plan?”
I hated these questions because the truth was… there was no plan.
For the first time in many years, I didn’t have a big, exciting vision to sink my teeth into. I didn’t feel called in any particular direction. I knew I wasn’t ready to “retire” (I’m not sure I ever will be!) but in terms of a new career objective… Nope. I felt blank.
I gave myself a few months to rest, spend time with family, and softly contemplate my options, hoping that the path forward would become clear. But it didn’t.
Then I decided to attend an event where a personal hero of mine — the philanthropist Lynne Twist was scheduled to speak onstage. I was ready to be challenged, stimulated, and uplifted—and she did not disappoint. I felt invigorated by her speech, excited to rediscover my purpose and charge forward into…
What, exactly?
As her speech ended, I realized, “That was thrilling, but… I still have no idea what to do with my life.”
Panic set into my bones.
I noticed Lynne moving towards the exit and I dashed over, hoping to talk for a few minutes.
“Lynne, could I grab you for just one minute?” I asked.
She was gracious enough to stop and chat. One minute, of course, turned into about fifteen minutes. I confessed my confusion and paralysis. I told her about my past — as a successful attorney, a passionate entrepreneur, and a respected non-profit director — and I explained how I felt blank and uncertain about what I’m supposed to do next. Words tumbled out… and then I paused for breath.
Lynne responded:
“Pretend that it’s 20 years from now,” she said, “And The New York Times just did a huge article about you and your work. Because of this article, Oprah asks to interview you. She asks you the question: ‘Why did you decide to do this work?’ What would you say to her?”
I imagined myself sitting across the table from Oprah. My paralysis disappeared.
I told Lynne, “I want to help people find meaningful, exciting work. I want to help people do good work in the world.”
She smiled.
I realized, “That’s it. I found my next ‘thing’.”
A plan began to formulate in my mind.
I could start offering career coaching and consulting for people who want to find a new job, or start a new business, or complete an ambitious career-related project.
I could teach programs on goal-setting, network building, and negotiation.
I could… my brain whirled with excitement, filled with dozens of potential ideas.
“I know I can do this,” I told myself.
That small conversation with Lynne inspired me to go for it… and I haven’t looked back.
Today, I want to pose that same question to you.
Pretend that it’s 20 years from now. A major media luminary wants to interview you about your work. She asks: “Why did you decide to do this work?”
What would you say?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a clear “job title” or “plan” in mind right now. Try to answer that question anyway. Start talking aloud to yourself in your car—you can pretend you’re talking on your Bluetooth headset! Or start writing and see what comes out of your pen. It can be so powerful to project yourself into the future.
What is your future-self longing for you to pursue?
PS. Let’s talk about the immediate future for a moment. Before 2016 is over, would you like to… put an extra $5K into your savings account? Negotiate a raise at your job? Launch a new business offering and sell it out?
Right now, I invite you to choose 1 specific career, business, or income-related goal… write it down as specifically as you can… and let’s work on that goal for 6 weeks in a row! (Serious progress: guaranteed.)
Enroll now for GO GET IT!, a super-motivating coaching program that I co-teach along with my friend Susan Hyatt. The program begins on October 10th. Enroll right here. We’ll coach, nudge, push, and inspire you to meet—or exceed—your goal.
(Your future self will be so proud.)
Top image: Willie Franklin