What I´ve learned during my second year at the "University of Life"
Last April, when I wrote my first LinkedIn article titled “What I've learned during one year at the "University of Life" a friend commented “Brilliant first read Jim! Next instalment same time next year?”. So, as I don´t need a second invitation for anything, here´s the sequel…
To read the full article, see swimnotsink.com/news, where you can also find the Article from last year.
So what have I learned in my second year at the University of Life?
1. Everything starts from commitment
In football, if you go into a tackle half-heartedly, you will get hurt. And it’s the same principle in your professional life, even if the injuries are less visible.
From the moment I committed to my new direction, to working for myself, things started to work out for me. And that’s why I put this as the #1 learning. And that commitment needs to come before you have full clarity.
Recently, I have come across many talented people with lots to offer struggling to articulate what they want to do next. And I know they are struggling when they ask me to explain how I did it!! So I have begun explaining to them, with the most genuine of intentions – “If after this meeting, I´m not clear on what you want, I can´t help you & that would be a waste.” Sometimes you can´t put off the difficult discussion.
There will always be risk involved and hence resistance, and I find the following simple model helpful.
The dissatisfaction with the current state (D), the idea of where you want to go (V) and clarity on the first steps to achieve the vision (F) have to be greater than the resistance (R) giving rise to a change formula: DxVxF>R (Beckhard-Harris change model)
If you score a zero on dissatisfaction, vision or roadmap, forget it.
2. There is a genuine need for my service & that generates creativity and energy.
My work is based on a few universal insights about “being the boss”
i. You are stretched like never before, but admitting that vulnerability may not come easily
ii. The role can be lonely, and
iii. whilst the job is about deciding priorities, you may not prioritise yourself
Put another way, it’s the stuff I wish someone had told me when I became head of a business myself for the first time, more than a decade ago.
And whilst some of my work is remedial, increasingly it comes from enlightened leaders, individuals and HR departments who realise that “what got you here, won´t get you there” and who recognise that there is a need for renewal which is difficult to do on your own.
I read recently in a Korn Ferry piece that the difference between thriving and surviving is purpose. And hence even in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic, I am hopeful going forward for my service as it is now more relevant than ever.
At 50 years old, I feel more energetic than ever. The branding project I did for myself at the end of last year was eye-opening and I learnt more about marketing doing that than in the 20 years I was a marketer.
3. Preparation is a form of resistance
This one might need a second-take… but I give credit to a fellow coach Sinead Millard who brought the concept to my attention. It’s a great phrase to say to yourself when you are working on a project, however big or small.
My network is full of high achievers who have achievements to their name and as a consequence “something to lose”, which if you are not careful can evolve into risk-aversion.
I guess that’s why there are so many people out there promoting the benefits of failure and a bias for action.
I have tried to adopt this in my own work. As a tiny example of this principle in practice, writing this article from idea to publish took me about 2 hours. Last year, it was days in gestation. Nike were on to something when they say “Just do it”
4. If you are clear on your red-lines and true to yourself, it will be alright.
4 years ago when I left Brazil, I committed to living in Dublin, settling the family with the confidence that the professional path would emerge. Whilst that confidence was sorely tested a few times…as I reflect at this moment of social distancing globally, I am where I want to be.
Professionally, I´m able to coach clients all round the world from my home office… something that I didn’t think as workable just 2 years ago.
And despite being restricted to a 2 km radius of home, I can swim in the sea every day and grow my own vegetables… quality of life factors which people worldwide can appreciate more than ever.
And MY Hollywood ending?
Paraphrasing what I said last year… when I was starting out 2 years ago, a fellow Dublin coach, Brendan Foley told me: in the first year as a coach, people will ask, “is that a real job?”, in the second year, ¨are you still doing that?” and, then in the third year, “you´re still doing that? You must be good, we should talk”
YES, I´m still doing that ! Year 2 has been better than year 1. I have a growing client list with great retention. Thanks to all those clients who believed in “James as coach”
And I have some very nice plans for year 3 – watch this space. My dad can rest easy !