Beyond 254

Working on Autopilot

The other day, one of my co-workers asked my opinion about the direction a project we were working on was headed. I told him, that I really do not have an opinion and I just wanted the directors to make a decision and stick with it. He kept pressing me for an opinion. I told him I do not have an opinion one way or another. To be honest, I really did not care. Ever since I have decided that Corporate America is not my path, I have been working on autopilot. I do what is needed to do my job effectively, but I am not trying to become a superstar at this company. When I first started working in Corporate America, I wanted to become a star, but the realities of the corporate world started to set in and I realized that this path was not for me. I recently read an article "Recession intensifies GenX discontent at work" and it really summed up what I am feeling as a Gen Xer. I think a lot of Gen Xers are also working on autopilot during this recession until they can get out and do something better. Our generation wants more meaning and purpose and to do work that we are passionate about, unlike the baby boomer generation. As I have been saying all along, finding your purpose is key to discovering your true talents and passions. 

Comfort Is The Enemy

A while back I heard Farrah Gray author of "Reallionaire" state that "Comfort is the enemy of achievement." As I pondered that statement, I said to myself that is so true and reflected on my first job out of college.

I worked for a Fortune 500 company out of college as an IT Consultant. The company treated us well, we received bonuses and the salaries were great. We also went on yearly company retreats at lakeside resorts. I thought to myself, I never want to leave this company and I settled in and got COMFORTABLE. Since everything was going so well, I thought to myself why give up a good thing. But sometimes when God has better plans for you, a trial or test will come your way that will jolt you out of that comfort zone. My trial came in the form of a layoff. Sometimes experiences can push or force you into your true destiny. Being pushed out of a company that I enjoyed was devastating, but now that I look back, if I stayed, I never would have realized my passion to start my own company. Being an entrepreneur never entered my mind when I first started out in the workforce. The company I worked for had great pay and benefits, so why would I leave. I am now thankful for that experience, because if I was not laid off, I would not have realized my dreams and passions.

Tip of the Day: Do not curse your trials. Thank God for your setbacks and learn from them, because it could be his way of moving you to your destiny.

Pushed Outside of my Box

I had quite an interesting experience yesterday. Since I was off Friday, I wanted to try out the Cardio Ballet class at my local YMCA. The class is held during the time I am at work, so I was excited that I had the opportunity to try it out. I was running a little late and as I rushed to the front desk to check in, I asked the 'Y' coordinator where the Cardio Ballet class was held. She stated, "Oh great, you are the instructor, the class is in the room behind you." I told her that I was not the instructor; I was just attending the class. So, I proceeded to walk in the class and as I walked in the class, the attendees shouted, "Great, the instructor is here." I told them I was a class attendee and not the instructor. One of the ladies stated that the regular instructor could not make it and that she sent a substitute. They thought I was the substitute. Then they asked me, "Maybe you can teach the class." I told them it has been years since I took ballet and I was never an instructor. I was very reluctant and said maybe we should wait to hear what happened to the substitute. A couple minutes went by and the 'Y' coordinator came in the room and stated that the substitute had strep throat and could not attend. So, again the ladies looked at me and said, "If you instruct the class, we will follow your lead." So I was basically pushed outside of my comfort zone and I reluctantly agreed to teach the class. There I was, actually teaching an exercise class!! I was able to figure out enough moves and routines to create a 35 minute class. We actually worked up a sweat and got our heart rate going. I really surprised myself. It felt rather good to step outside of my comfort zone and the ladies in the class were really grateful. After the small impromptu class, one of the ladies came up to me and said, "The regular instructor is good, but I was able to follow along with you alot easier!"  It felt good to step in and help out. Health and Fitness is one of the many things I am passionate about. I already made plans to start incorporating my passion for healthy living in my business plans. This experience is letting me know that I am on the right track. I believe that this experience will attract more situations and events into my life that will open the right doors for me to pursue my dreams. So, if someone pushes you outside your box, just surrender to the moment, because you never know what you will learn or what doors can open from the experience.

You Don't Belong Here!

The other day, I was talking to a lady that works at my company. We usually see each other in the hallway and breakroom, but never had a real conversation. She asked me what I do and I told her that I work in the IT department managing projects. She said, "IT?! You don't look or act like you work in the IT department!" I laughed and took it as a compliment. This is the third person at this company that stated I do not look like I work in IT. It is interesting how strangers can tell that I am not a fit for my occupation. A former co-worker that used to work at my company stated, "You are too creative to work in IT." It is amazing how others can see things in you that you can not see in yourself. But for me, I know that I am not a fit for my position and do not belong in the IT industry. I only wish I had realized this sooner. The next time someone recognizes something special in you that you do not see yourself, do not dismiss it. If you hear it more than once, you need to take it seriously and ponder it. It might give you clues to your life's purpose.

I Apologize for My Absence

I apologize for my absence. I have been very busy these last couple of weeks preparing for a fashion show. In addition to working full time, I have been attending rehearsals twice a week since late May. The show was Sunday, August 3rd, but the week leading up to it was extremely hectic for me. I was getting ready for the show, as well as getting my house in order because of the guests that came to town. Due to my schedule, I neglected my writing. My writing usually helps rejuvenate me and gives me a boost. I am glad that my schedule is slowly getting back to normal and I can get back to writing and catch up on my reading.

As some of you know, I have an intense passion for the fashion industry. I was given the opportunity to model in a local show and I welcomed the challenge. The show was a success and we received plenty of positive feedback. But for me, this show provided a creative outlet for me. One thing I have learned was that my current job situation is stifling my creativity. Due to my job, I cannot express my true style. Since we have to dress "business casual" my true style is hidden under pin-stripe pants and boring tops. Working with these ladies over the last few months has been inspiring for me. I plan to start expressing myself more by changing my hairstyle and adding more exciting pieces to my business wardrobe within the next�few weeks.�This show has pulled out what has been buried deep within me for years. Also, this show was a big jump outside of my comfort zone, but I feel proud of myself for doing this. I challenge everyone to go outside their comfort zone and experience all that life has in store for you. Who knows you may learn something about yourself in the process.

Tip of the Day: Take a step outside your comfort zone to follow your passions. Not only will it provide a sense of joy, you will also learn something about yourself in the process that might need improving, in order for you to move to the next level.

How Do You Define Yourself?

Have you ever been to a party or social function and the first thing someone asks when they walk up to you is, “What do you do for a living?” Another popular follow up is, “Who do you work for.” By asking these questions, its like people are trying to define and stereotype you by what you do and who you work for instead of getting to know the person inside.

I use to be one of those people who defined themselves by the company they worked for. Right out of college, I was recruited by one of the biggest and admired companies in America. Whenever someone asked me who I worked for, I would state my company name proudly, as if it were a badge of honor. Even my family members bragged about the company I worked for. In addition, I used to be caught up in job titles as another extension of oneself. Then one day, in May 2000, the unthinkable happened, I was laid off. I was totally devastated. Of course the fear of losing my income was terrifying, but the thought of losing my identity was disastrous. I made the mistake of looking to my job to identify me, instead of developing my own identity. During that time of unemployment, it felt like a piece of my soul died. I felt so much shame and embarrassment; I isolated myself from family and friends. But now that I look back, I realize that lay off taught me not to look toward a job or company to identify me. The last few years have been enlightening. It feels like my soul has been awakened. I have been learning a lot by going to church and have been delivered from looking for a company or job title to complete me. It feels so uplifting to know that I will always be me no matter what company I work for. A job title does not define who I am. Nowadays, I feel much stronger in my identity. I know what I want and the things that make me special.

Recently, I was hit on by a guy that used the company he worked for as his way to get attention. He worked for a very well known and highly admired company in this country. I thought to myself, how sad, this guy does not have enough self esteem to reveal his true personality, but instead he needs to hide behind his company in order to achieve validation. I hope he gains more self esteem and becomes delivered. If not, I just hope he never gets laid off, for his sake.