Monday Morning Musings

Reinventing Yourself & Embracing Discomfort – From October 28th 2024.

Happy Monday everyone!

Here are my recent musings that I hope help to inspire, inform, and provide some food for thought.

What I‘ve LEARNED

How many times have you faced a looming deadline that you kept putting off, only to find that once you got started, it wasn’t nearly as bad as you thought? In fact, once you get going, you can’t wait to finish. This has been exactly my experience recently with the submission of my written assignment for my Professional Qualification in Executive Coaching. It’s been years since I last wrote an essay in a specific format, but this weekend, I was finally able to hit the submit button and watch my assignment float away into the ether. And it felt incredible!

Whether I pass or not is irrelevant right now. I’m just proud of myself for the hours of study and extra work I’ve taken on this year to develop a new skill, all while balancing family life and running an international sales team for one of the world’s largest electronics companies.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that it’s never too late to learn something new. If you’re learning a skill that aligns with your values or something you enjoy, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s about fueling your passion.

Mark Twain is often credited with saying that if you find a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life, and I have to agree. The more I have learned about the power of coaching, the more I question how much of our careers align with our values and purpose.

Sometimes, we realize we’re not truly living in alignment with what matters most. We’re busy, filling our days with tasks and meetings, yet something feels off. We might be succeeding by conventional standards, but inside, there’s a pull toward something more meaningful—a career that reflects our core values and sense of purpose.

Values are our core beliefs, the principles we hold close. Too often, they get sidelined for stability or expectations. But if our work doesn’t reflect our values, it’s like driving without a map. This week, take a moment to identify your top values. Is it integrity, creativity, family, or growth? These are your compass points. When our work aligns with our values, even small, routine tasks feel meaningful because they serve a larger purpose.

Purpose goes a step further. It’s what gives our work direction—the unique way we contribute. I think of purpose as the impact I can make through my strengths, passions, and experiences. If your work feels misaligned with this, it might be time to recalibrate. Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it’s simply the unique way you make a difference.

As you start this Monday, think of one small way to align your work with your values and purpose. It could be setting a boundary to protect your time, offering a fresh idea in a meeting, or mentoring a colleague. Career reinvention doesn’t have to be dramatic; it’s a journey—a series of intentional steps that add up over time.

What I’ve LOVED

This past week, I found myself beaming with pride for my daughter. She recently took a step that wasn’t easy; she willingly walked into a situation (a room full of strangers) that made her nervous, unsure, and maybe even a little scared. It wasn’t something she had to do, but something she chose to, even though she expected the discomfort she might face.

And yet, when it was over, she came out brighter, lighter, and, I’d say, a bit more resilient. There was this moment of realization that the task she feared wasn’t quite as scary as she thought, and she even came away making some new, likeminded friends! She’d taken a chance and discovered a new layer of herself, one she might never have known had she not faced those nerves.

Watching her reminded me of how much there is to gain when we lean into discomfort, even if it’s just for a little while. We often hold ourselves back, letting fear of the unknown keep us from finding out what’s on the other side. But this experience reminded me that sometimes, braving new ground brings rewards that go beyond just the task—we learn more about who we are and what we’re capable of.

What I’ve LIKED

Each year, around this time, I find myself volunteering at my children’s local school, gearing up to help Year 11 students with their mock interviews. It’s a small but hugely valuable tradition, for which I find inpiring.

Meeting these young adults, I’m always fascinated by how they approach the idea of careers and what they envision for their futures. There’s such a mix: some come with a meticulous plan based on knowing exactly what they want to do in the future, while others are just beginning to consider their options, and some just don’t want to be sat in front of me. What strikes me most is the raw optimism, coupled with a surprising pragmatism, as they talk through their aspirations.

One of the highlights each year is hearing about their ambitions, which often serve as little reminders of the big dreams we all once had, tempered by a fresh perspective that’s uniquely theirs. They’re not just thinking about ‘what job to do’—they’re mulling over how their future work will impact their lives, their communities, and, sometimes, the world, which I find admirable and inspiring.

These mornings offer a snapshot of tomorrow’s workforce and remind me why it’s so important to guide and encourage them. It’s a privilege to witness their journeys starting to unfold and to offer a bit of advice, knowing that soon, they’ll be the ones making the calls.

Coming out of the school environment in today’s age is a daunting prospect, so if you ever get the opportunity to support young adults with their future dreams and ambitions, then I recommend giving up your time, as you never know what you might learn.

Final thought

Here’s a song to start your week. Enjoy.

Have a great week all!

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Nik Dewar

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