From Following Rules to Setting Your Own Agenda

Last week, I had a great conversation with my wife in the car on her way to work. Although, at a high level, things are going really well for her – if you forgot just revisit the article about her own working journey - there are still times when she wishes she could do things better. There are decisions she feels she is following more than she wants to or activities she does, that she feels less connected to.

Something I always say (and comment on from time to time) is that the perfect or ideal version we have in our heads of a task, of a job, of an employer (you name it) simply doesn’t exist. However, there are practical and tangible ways to start moving the needle toward things that are more aligned with us and our purpose—with as few sacrifices or compromises as possible—if we have the right plan and of course, mindset.

I’m very intentional with the words I use— avoid talking about 'feelings' when it comes to these 'stuff'. Feelings are great, and I’m on my own journey with them, but sometimes they are getting in the way. When it comes to work (in a different term, energy mobilization into action) - having a positive mindset, a plan and a clear purpose are far more important elements to work with.

In this context, making sacrifices and compromises (even if they are tough - actually the tougher the better) it's okay if they serve a temporary need to achieve a great(er) future that aligns with your Why (even if you feel shitty in this temporary situation).

If not, take a look at my previous article—or better yet, spend a couple of hours watching The Promised Land.

Enough with the introductions. The bottom line of this article is to segment three employee lifecycles as I see them flowing through the career of an individual over the years in the workplace.

Not always and not for everyone, unfortunately.

Let's get to it.