Back In Session
How I'm tapping into September energy and resetting the vision for my life.
I've been done with institutional education for well over a decade, but every September I still can't help shifting into 'back to school' mode.
It's the energy of first-day fits and color coded binders. The scent of pencil shavings from the sharpener.
"It's going to be different this time" energy.
It feels weird to admit, but I'm once again ready for a new challenge.
Here's how I'm preparing for this second-wind identity shift:
Model Research
Time to create a template and shape what success looks like.
I start with an assumption: Someone who resembles the person I want to be in 5, 10, 15 years is already out there existing.
It doesn't have to be just one person. It can be a mashup of people from different industries, backgrounds, and corners of the world.
When in doubt, I look for people at least a little older than me. Comparing my aspirations to the achievements of people my age or younger can be unnecessarily abusive.
Once I've found my model, I do the research.
Who are they?
How are they perceived?
How do they communicate?
Where have they been?
What have they done?
Why am I drawn to them?
There should be one or two key similarities that help me see myself in their shoes one day.
It's hard to be what you can't see. So I pay close attention to identity markers that are aligned with my own.
Wordplay
I've got a physical notebook with me, ready for input from my phone or computer.
As I'm exploring all of the model research - collecting information from biographies, websites, profiles, and press clippings - I harvest the words that resonate with me the most.
Job descriptions and award applications are also welcome in the research.
On one side of the page I write down resume-worthy skills, responsibilities, and experiences I want to build. On the other side I document more lofty goals like awards, milestones, and "best of" lists.
Daydream
Now I put the notebook away and go about my life.
I stay curious about what sticks with me, and what ideas come up.
What are the top three things that stand out to me about the exercise? What words/phrases from my harvest would I underline, highlight, or strikethrough?
Do my motivations come from internal or external forces?
If I break the journey down into micro-steps, what step would be my first, and how would I begin?
What relevant strengths do I have, and how could I invest more in those right now?
What relevant things do I want to learn, read, watch and listen to in the next few months?
What relevant people do I want to spend more or less time with?
It's more about enjoying the process of discovery than finding the right answer. I get to transform my fear of the future into a more focused idea of the possibilities.
Have you ever tried something like this? If so, what came up for you?
Liked and Followed
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Until next time,
JP