Life Changes in a Second

Life can change in a second. Last year, I had a conversation with my boss on a Friday about some future strategic projects we were beginning to roll out. On the next Monday, the whole department was dissolved and I was left as the lone man standing. Last Saturday my very vibrant Grandpa who is 77 was competing in a triathlon. He crashed his bike, went in for surgery and now is on his death bed due to complications from his surgery. Within a split second, life can take a left turn on you. Looking back now on my Grandpa’s life and my recent career change, here are some lessons I have learned from these two experiences:

1.) Know who you are and what your Soul Purpose is. I have blogged about this in the past, but I really think that most people cannot articulate what their purpose of life is. My friend has coined the phrase and has written extensively on the topic, but your Soul Purpose serves as your home base and source of motivation for everything you do. If you have this dialed in, when change happens, you will be able to take it in stride.

2.) Have your affairs in order: get out of debt, build up your savings, have a life insurance policy, have a burial plot picked out, have your will created. All of these things bring peace of mind and are insurance to you as you live each day to the fullest. I was talking to a lady this morning that told me that in 3 years her W-2 income went from $230k to $57k within 3 years. I asked her how she was doing; she responded “ok we prepared for this day.”

3.) Diversify your skill set. If you are a consultant, what else can you do that can create income if nobody is calling you for consulting? If you are trainer or educator, what else can you do if nobody comes to your class? Sometimes we need to think outside the box and consider jobs that may not be the exact job we envisioned or we may think they are below you. My mantra is I am generalist by nature, but specialist by assignment. I can’t help to think of those construction firms that are still in business, I would imagine that there is a correlation between those that have multiple types of jobs and those that are still working. Somebody correct me here…

4.) Do what you love. Life is way too short and way too fragile to live life staring at the on-ramp. Put the car in gear, punch the gas and merge on the road of life—and do it in a car that is fun. This goes for your job too. If you find a job that you love…stay in love with your job by keeping your foot on the gas pedal every day. I hope that I go out in a Blaze and Glory doing what I love.

The true measure of a person is how they deal with and react to change. We are thrown curve balls every day and often we are not aware that the curve is coming. My challenge to you is to establish your Soul Purpose, check your personal affairs, and take stock of your skill set and check your heart to see if you are prepared for lead change when it comes. Have a great week!

Guest Expert:

Bret j Nelson is the All-Star Sales Recruiter and Super Hero Coach for one of the top commercial insurance brokerages called Leavitt Group, he always is on the lookout for All-Star Salespeople.

Guest Expert

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