Tag Archive for: transformation

From Shadows To Sunrise: How Feeling Irrelevant Signals Imminent Change

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Sometimes, the most meaningful insights occur when we admit our deepest uncertainties.

This past week, I talked with a friend, Gord Sarkissian, about some of my feelings of irrelevance at this stage in life and career. It wasn’t easy to voice my self-doubts as I emerge into this next chapter of my life.

Gord listened without judgment, reminding me that these questions are part of being human. By sharing my vulnerability and in reflection, I realized that self-doubt and uncertainty have always, for me, preceded a period of important change.

Transformation is on the horizon. Relevance isn’t a fixed point, but something we redefine as our lives unfold. Sharing irrelevance in a supportive community makes it relevant.

Are you re-inventing yourself when necessary?

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It’s natural to get comfortable in our life situation. But if we aren’t conscious and intentional, we can unknowingly become unsuitable to our existing environment. I’ve learned is that it’s good to periodically re-invent yourself in response to different life events. Regularly renewing yourself is a crucial component of personal growth and development. Otherwise, we can get trapped in cycles of complacency. What got you here won’t necessarily get you there.

I find this true in the speaking business. I give a presentation. The audience loves it. So I repeat it to the next audience. And they love it. Even though I customize the material, it’s easy to get into a rut giving essentially the same presentation over and over. Success can actually lead to failure.

It’s been the big changes in my life that have created the most meaningful opportunities to re-invent myself: the death of a close relative, the birth of a grandchild, kids leaving home; downsizing and moving to a new location. And now I am re-examining and rebranding our Authentic Leadership Academy with a team of colleagues.

How are you re-inventing yourself to respond to different life events?