Remembering My Why
I recently heard that studies show the year prior to “milestone” birthdays are the years people make BIG things happen. This resonated with me – perhaps because I just turned 39 and I’m making a huge career transition from corporate to launching an independent coaching business. The race to “knowing what I want to be when I grow up by 40” is near and thankfully, I’m having a breakthrough. But why?
I remember my why.
I remember as a kid having a visceral effect when anyone at school was in pain. Whether a friend or acquaintance, I took it upon myself to make that person smile. It wasn’t just the right thing to do; I was called to do it.
I remember my why.
In high school, I was chosen to be a Peer Counselor and remember the sheer joy it brought me knowing the students in my groups had more than a mentor, but a partner. I made myself available and loved every part of the experience.
I remember my why.
Throughout college and my early career, the trend continued. Surprising my roommates with Frappuccino’s made me giddy – I vividly remember the feeling. I also recall a TOUGH creative director pulling me aside and thanking me for taking the time to write them a “no strings attached” complimentary email. I actually responded with something like “my purpose in life is to bring joy to others and you deserved to hear this feedback.”
I remember my why.
After 10 years in advertising, I made a transition from account management to HR. I remember telling my career coach that the ROI of a human being outweighs the ROI of a marketing campaign.
HELLO WHY!
I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last 5 years in HR, and while it was a good next step, my why is more personal than corporate. My why is about taking the time for an individual, to help them create and experience the joy they’ve always wanted.
Funny enough, I’ve been living “my why” my entire life. I just didn’t realize it. It’s so authentic to who I am, it didn’t feel significant or special or different. But what I have is a gift. And you too have a gift. You’ve been sharing it for a long time. If you haven’t found it yet, just remember. It’s there.
I’ll continue to reflect and remember. And if it takes another nine-ending year for me to make big things happen, then I’m officially 39 forever.
