Warning: you might find your dream job after participating in a mindfulness program.
“I’m able to start the day calmly after learning how to be focused with my morning meditation. Discovering how to focus on a few targeted tasks has enhanced my productivity.
But, most of all, this program has helped me realize:
1. I need to leave my job;
2. I’m just not fulfilled; and
3. I’ve been doing this too long.”
Luckily this wasn’t the first time I received this feedback.
This might sound unbelievable, but at least one person has self-selected out of their current role in every course I’ve taught.
…and I celebrate it.
I celebrate for the person. This person has given themselves the opportunity to progress towards something that provides them with more joy and fulfillment. For some, they realize they just aren’t good at the roles. For others, they realize they’ve been in the role for too long.
As Erik Barker writes, "The Terman Study followed a group of people across their entire lives, from childhood to old age. What did they find? Those who stayed very involved in meaningful careers and worked the hardest, lived the longest."
I celebrate for their organization. There is nothing more taxing on a manager or business than placing people in roles that they don’t enjoy. It is also toxic for the team to support an unhappy person.
We experience fulfillment, creativity, and a sense of purpose when we are in the right position. It feels like a recreational activity. Remember when you were a child? I do. I was so absorbed in play that I didn’t feel hungry, tired, or cold… I was fulfilled and in the moment.
That’s how I felt in many of my sales roles at Cisco. And, I was mindful enough to know when it was time to move on to another opportunity.
To the right, thats me "working". After doubling down on my mindfulness practice, I left my job and started my own business... which happens to feel like PLAY every day.
You see, so many of us don’t take the opportunity to slow down and actually think about how we feel.
Our bodies are constantly in fight-or-flight mode. We’re focused on survival rather than what makes us thrive. The brain is incredibly smart. While focusing on survival when in a threatening situation is appropriate, treating our jobs like a life-or-death situation is not.
I’ll share one of the biggest “ah-ha” moments my clients experience. Its when they realize they have the power to choose their reactions.
We have the space and calmness to think and feel about the present moment once we take a step back.
We have the space and calmness to think about our current performance, assess our level of fulfillment and evaluate what is best for us, our families, employees and organizations.
Mindful job transitions that lead to performance and wellbeing are important... and possible.
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