In uncertain times, we want to be open to any and all possibilities. It sounds like a logical strategy. Except, it’s not. It’s like being at a shooting range and firing your weapon in all directions hoping one of your shots hits the target.
A sharp-shooter, an archery master, a martial arts practitioner, even a gymnast, all have to focus their energy into one contained, clear, and accurate attempt at their goal.
The same goes for figuring out what your next career move or what you want to do with your life.
There is a time for casting a wide net, experimenting, gathering intel as you network and try things, but when you want results – a job offer, a new career direction altogether, or to achieve a big goal in your own business, it takes attention and singular focus to fully find success.
In the last few weeks, I’ve been privy to conversations that highlight our tendency to choose safety over our true desires. One client spoke with passion about a training program that would bring him the knowledge and direction to future work that was exciting and challenging.
He knew what was calling him, but he still brought me an angst-filled conversation about casting a wider net with a different training program to cover all his bases.
Did he want to spend two years studying in that domain? No. Did that setting even appeal to him? No. He told me no! Then why even have it on the docket?
Deidre just took a severance package to give herself time to plan the next chapter of her life. She could afford to make a big change. She could even retire if she really wanted to.
Week after week, we made steady progress on her discoveries towards what mattered to her and what next steps may be.
And week after week, she would report on jobs friends asked her to interview for that did not yield offers. She was spinning with uncertainty and anxiety.
She would readily admit that she didn’t really want a new job, but she kept feeling compelled to stay in the game. Why? The devil she knew was better than the unknown future we kept trying to lasso in.
Stop covering your bases.
Wider is not better. More is not better when you already know what you want to do. Bearing the discomfort of the unknown comes with great reward. When you know — when the path does become clear – it’s a feeling that will compel you to take action and make your desires come true. Focus on the target and put all your energy THERE.
Appreciate this wise reminder to honor one’s true nature and not get distracted by all the external noise!
Thanks, Jessi.
Perfectly timed! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this, it is exactly what I needed to read today. Very timely as a friend told me just this week that I should audit my resume so I can cast a wider net, wow!