What if you took a leap?
Have you ever noticed that just as you hit your professional stride, retirement seems to be on the horizon? We navigate through the twists and turns of our careers, experiencing triumphs and setbacks, and accumulating knowledge along the way. Yet, just when we feel we have a grasp on it all, the time to retire from full-time professional work looms. Why is that?
Throughout our professional journey, as we age and gain experience, we accumulate valuable lessons. We begin to discern when to take the lead and when to encourage others, when patience is a virtue, and when it’s time to drive execution. We become adept at identifying the qualities to look for when hiring, mastering the art of active listening, and understanding the delicate balance of speaking up versus staying silent.
Confidence grows, and the fruits of our efforts become evident in the accomplishments of our teams. Praise and support become commonplace, and we attract individuals who admire our approach. Everything seems to be falling into place. So, why get here so late when it feels like we’re finally hitting our stride?
Few things seem apparent. Is it newfound confidence, or is it the broadened impact sphere that makes it feel different? There’s a sense of heightened awareness — listening more attentively, seeking a deeper understanding, and sensing the emotions of those we interact with. Patience deepens, and we find ourselves more willing to wait. What has changed? Or perhaps, have we changed at all?
This prompts us to ponder whether we’ve always been this way or if this newfound confidence is genuinely different. Could it be that our impact sphere has expanded, creating a different perspective? Why does it feel like we’re listening more, understanding more, and connecting with the emotions of others on a deeper level? What has shifted to make us more patient and attuned to important signals that we might have missed in the past?
Perhaps the change lies in our inclination to reflect more.
In the earlier stages of our careers, the focus may have been primarily on delivery — a relentless pursuit of tasks and goals, leaving little time for contemplation. But now, in moments of reflection, we observe our actions, reactions, and behaviors. We learn from our experiences, strive to do better next time, and slowly but surely, we change our habits.
Is this a common experience shared by many of us? A recent discussion with peers revealed a recurring theme — just when we start to excel and make a significant impact, thoughts of retirement begin to surface. What if this transition had occurred a decade ago or even earlier? The consensus was that with the accumulated wisdom and experience, we now find ourselves better equipped to navigate the professional landscape. Alas, right at the time to retire!
Reflecting on our career trajectories, we can recognize the diversity among our peers. Some have achieved remarkable success, both professionally and financially, while most have performed adequately, and some have faced struggles. This pattern mirrors the typical performance graph of any organization.
But what if we could have done things differently? The answer, it seems, lies in one key element — early reflection. During our school and college days, we start with a cohort of peers, but as the years pass, our paths diverge. Looking back over the decades, we notice the disparities in where each of us has ended up.
Could we have achieved more if we had embraced reflection earlier in our careers? Life is undeniably busy, both at work and at home. Reflecting becomes easier when children have gone off to college, and our direct reports are seasoned leaders capable of shouldering significant responsibilities. In this stage of our careers, we often find ourselves providing guidance and support rather than delving into the nitty-gritty details.
But what if we had taken the time to reflect earlier? Could we have spared an hour a week to assess our week, identify areas for improvement, and commit to ongoing education and self-improvement? What if we had acknowledged that even though we were doing a commendable job, there was always room to learn and grow? What if we had listened and learned from those who were decades ahead of us, gaining insights that transcended the immediate pursuit of catching up with those just a few years ahead?
The key might be reflection. By setting aside time for introspection, we gain clarity on our actions, behaviors, and the progress we have made over time. While habits are notoriously challenging to change, the simple act of trying can lead to profound improvements.
As we engage in self-reflection, we must confront a pivotal question: Are we truly too busy to pause and reflect? A recent conversation with a friend resonated with this theme. He revealed a longstanding desire to start a coconut farm, a dream he had harbored for two decades. Yet, he acknowledged that had he initiated this venture ten years ago, he would now be enjoying the fruits of his labor — literally.
So, the question becomes, do we want to find ourselves in the same bracket as many of our peers, reaching the reflection stage only when retirement is on the horizon? Or do we take the opportunity now to reflect, engage with those who have attained enlightenment in their careers, commit to continuous learning, and acknowledge that there is always room for improvement?
It’s time to ask ourselves — are we too busy to reflect? Can a few completed tasks truly pave the way for a more reflective future, both at work and at home? The choice is ours. Reflect now or wait until the whispers of retirement surround us. Engage with the enlightened, commit to continuous learning, and dare to admit that there is always more to learn. The power to excel lies in reflection.
Will you stay the course and end up average or will you leap?
Until next time, Cheers,
Amit
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