A good friend and I have commiserated over the years about how we have these ideas of how our lives should be unfolding, but can’t seem to make it happen like we’d like. There are obstacles, comfort zones and unclear pathways that always seem to trip us up. In our confusion, we often find ourselves begging the universe for “a sign” to show us the way.
Then we laugh.
Because there are signs everywhere. Just this week I’ve observed the following in my life/work world:
- In an effort to “fix” one of the few processes that seems to be working, my superiors have added a new duty to my job description… I’m not sure it’s the best approach, but am also aware that it’s not really open for discussion (which is unfortunate). I was frustrated, though painfully aware that it is the reality of the corporate world–where logic and open dialogue aren’t always present.
- Later that evening, I spent an hour working on our book and a book series that I’m hoping to resubmit to agents shortly–and in that hour, my frustration vanished and my mood improved.
- I read a story about a young woman who developed the idea for “SwitchFlops” — flip flops with interchangable velcro straps. The business will bring in $30 million this year. While I have no shoe-design dreams, I admired her steadfast approach to making it happen. Lesson: everyone has good ideas. Not everyone executes them.
Tie together those three seemingly unrelated, seriously small moments in a 24-hour period and you have a pretty clear message: I struggle in one environment, thrive in another and with a little work (or a lot) success IS possible.
It may not be as easy as switching your flip flop look these days, but it’s NOT THAT HARD.