Planning… for NOW!

Are you a great planner? Or are you more of a “go with the flow” kind of person?

Do you thrive when you set a clear goal and work systematically towards achieving it, or do you prefer a more organic approach?

Me?

I’m a planner, who is learning to be present to the new possibilities each moment offers.

My husband Peter and I are looking forward to his retirement and our move to Santa Barbara in October – to us it represents an exciting new chapter for us as a couple, where we can get involved in community, give back, walk to everything, and where I will be holding my in-person retreats for women leaders!

There is a lot to do as we ready the house for our big move and downsize.  The planning calendars are up on my wall, and I am counting the days…

Through our son’s recent successful battle with cancer, we were reminded daily that all we have is today.  So, we asked ourselves why WAIT until our move to live our next chapter?

We’re walking to watch the sunset.

We’re sitting by the firepit and having a glass of wine.

We’re spending time with good friends.

NOW. TODAY.

Whether you’re a planner like me or more of a free spirit, there’s a certain level of intensity that is present for many purpose-full and mission-driven leaders who are working for a cause.

For these special souls, work deadlines and to-do lists are more than just tasks. They are the things that enable their extraordinary impact to be felt and so many lives to be served.

“Work” can be extremely fulfilling if it is in alignment with a personal passion and purpose.  There’s nothing quite like that feeling when the adrenaline kicks in as our goal comes into view  – even when we’re months away.

But here’s the thing.

• I’ve seen great leaders burn out. They leave roles and move on from projects that one could argue they were meant to do.
• I’ve seen successful people “wake up” in the later stages of their career and realize that they want something more.
• I’ve seen families and friends suffer when their parent/partner says “I’ll have more time at home after this one project/grant/launch/whatever is done”.
• I’ve seen leaders get frustrated with (and blame) the pace or dysfunction of their organizations, their difficult boards, co-workers, and employees – and they leave – only to find the same dynamic in their next role.

When I work with clients at an organizational or personal/professional crossroads, we spend quite a bit of time on identifying what that next chapter, or “Point B” looks like – so that they can then (only) choose the embodied actions and strategies that create the possibility of actually creating the kind of life, career or organization they want and that will help them have the impact they are meant to achieve.

So often, I see driven leaders moving towards a goal, only to find out that the “point B” they were working towards and achieved doesn’t align with what they actually wanted.

To take this a step further, I add a new layer of nuance to this work.

While creating the strategies and taking the actions to get that new job or promotion, launch a new business, or create an ideal work-life rhythm, I encourage you to see that there is no need to wait to BE living the life you want.

“Even if… “ there are circumstances that look like they could prevent you from getting what you want…

You can be happy now.

“Even though…”  there are external forces that may make it look impossible.

You can be really happy now.

We always have the ability to choose how we act and react, and ultimately how we feel.

I invite you to start your next chapter of BEing, NOW.

Right now. Today!

Here are some questions that can help:

• If you could curate your ideal life, how would you feel?  What would you be doing on a daily and weekly basis? With whom?
• What assumptions are you making about what is and is not possible in your current situation that is preventing you from BEing in your best life?
• What if it IS possible?  How can you MAKE it possible?
• What intention (for BEing) are you setting every day, before every meeting, before every conversation with friends and family members?
• What shifts in your schedule can you make to support you in creating the “causes and conditions” of your Next Chapter… today?

The answers to these questions can be catalysts for big changes, and if you find the corners of your mouth turning up into a smile, you’re on to something!

To your success,

Kathryn

P.S. – I love hearing from you!  How are YOU creating the causes and conditions for you to have the impact you’re meant to achieve?  And if you’re feeling like you’re at a crossroads of some kind, let’s get on the phone to see if I can be of help!