At a holiday reflection session, I was hit by my own reflection on what and how and who I was 10 years ago.
It was 2013, my second year in China.
I was 29 years old.
I was over-working, including all weekends.
I was fighting for a hopeless promotion.
I was fearful for not having anything to show for in career. (29 and just a management trainee??!!)
I felt inferior and anxious for having so much milage in career to catch up.
I slouched and didn’t care the food I put in my mouth.
I was struggling not to play the usual office politics and to stay true to my integrity.
And as you can see, other than work, I didn’t have a life!
Fast forward, 5 years later, still in China.
I was 34 years old.
I scored my dream position, which on a worldwide scope, only less than 5 headcounts.
I worked the least hours, had the most balanced life through out the career and earning the best package.
I had been promoted 3 times in the course of 3 years.
I had superiors who gave me autonomy and respected my proficiency.
I had space to say NO to my boss with integrity and honest.
I was at the best of my health, looked the sexiest ever and learned a lot about nutrition.
I got my psychology counselor certification, learned my 5th language and had articles published on online publications.
I hanged out with friends during weekends and talked about travels.
How I did it?
I got clear of what I wanted in my career, how I wanted my career to support my life (not the other way round) and TRUSTED I would find my dream (when everyone told me it was not possible to find a boss that simply allowed me to be me).
Fast forward again, to today in a seaside house, leading a surfing lifestyle.
I am 39.
I am most balanced, gentle and creative in my life.
I, from an extraordinary business strategizer, became others’ life strategizer and a healer of energy.
I, from a packed schedule of get-going, let the flow of rest and growth wash over me each day.
I practice silence instead of convincing.
I practice do nothing instead of doing.
A very different view of self and yet, I continue creating in finance, in clients, in fun, in relationships and most importantly, in purpose.
How I did it?
I acknowledge that the human experience is a journey of self-evolution and life is the arena.
I accept that each achievement is not here to stop me but here to propel me to take the next step and next dream.
I act on the acknowledgement and acceptance.
This is you too, full of limitless potential and fluid in identity. Possibility is your identity. Evolution is your journey.
How would you like to take the helm of your next 10 years?
Be love and be loved.