| What Would Your 5-Years-Ago Self Say? |
|
|
|
Five years ago, I wrote a blog post about how I don’t believe in five-year plans. Why? In a nutshell: they tend to be overwhelming (which keeps some people from planning at all) or too specific (how can we know what we want, or what possibilities will be open to us, in 5 years?). You can read more about it here, including my
“Alternative to a Five Year Plan.”
That post popped onto my radar recently, and when I re-read it, I chuckled with delight. OK, maybe not mere delight — I confess that there was also a tinge of smugness involved. I was right! The ensuing five years of my own life and career developments, of growth, of changes and new opportunities are evidence that I was right not to believe in five year plans. How could I have predicted back then what I would want in my life and work today?
Five years ago, I could not have dreamed up that in 2016, I would:
- Complete a certification in integral coaching (I didn't even know what that was!),
- Become an associate coach and adjunct faculty with Center for Creative Leadership (I had heard of CCL by reputation but would never have dreamed I'd be connected with them),
- Get really comfortable at giving feedback, even difficult or negative feedback (as I would formerly avoid it at all costs),
- Be coaching leaders from Fortune 500 companies in the telecommunications, investment banking, automotive, food and beverage, technology, and fast-moving consumer goods industries, in addition to clients in the international development sector (where I previously specialized),
- Train managers and leaders on coaching skills,
- Get hooked on yoga and exercise (after decades of being a dedicated couch potato),
- Take up the daily practice of meditation, and
- Still be living in Manila (as an expat, you always think a potential move is just around the corner).
How about you? As you think back on 2016, what have you accomplished or learned or experienced that would have surprised your 5-years-ago self? I wonder what your 5-years-from-now future self will be chuckling about…
As we close out 2016 and jump into 2017, I am delighted to share the "end-of-year reflection worksheet" that I developed for my coaching clients and friends. I also use it myself. It's called "Three Steps to a Great New Year." I update it annually, and I continue to
find it to be a helpful – and quick – process to reflect on the year that has passed, and plan for the year to come. It only takes about 30 to 90 minutes of your time (the duration depends on how in-depth you choose to be with it).
If you try this out, I would love to hear how this process works for you. Feel free to hit <reply> to this message or drop me an email at [email protected]. And if you find this worksheet useful, please feel free to share with friends, family, and colleagues.
I wish you a fantastic 2017. May this year hold many delightful surprises that your five-years-ago self could never have imagined!
|
|
|
| how |
 |
| |
Shana Montesol Johnson
I'm a certified executive/ leadership coach who helps global professionals to leverage their strengths in order to be happier at work, enhance their effectiveness as leaders, and amplify the impact of their work on their organizations and the world.
If we're not already connected, I'd love to connect with you:
|
| |
|
| |
What's the Best Book You Read in 2016?
This is one of my favorite questions to ask at the end of the year. It's always fun to hear people's book recommendations.
Once again, the book that most impacted me this year was a work of nonfiction. I found The Fifteen Habits of Conscious Leadership to be thought-provoking, challenging, and illuminating. Although I only came across it in mid-November, t has already influenced the way I think, and will have an impact on my coaching.
Some of the questions that it has sparked for me include:
- What would it look like to take "radical responsibility" for the circumstances in my life, and for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being?
- How can I treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn, rather than get stuck in finding ways to be right?
- What could be possible if I were committed to feeling all my feelings all the way through, rather than ignoring or downplaying them?
Are You Wondering "What's Next?" in Your Career or Life?
...then you may want to consider joining the "What's Next?" Group Coaching Program. You'll take stock of your strengths, values, priorities and goals, and
move toward a strong, doable action plan -- while meeting great like-minded people who are on the same path.
Past "What's Next?" group participants have reported program was empowering, confidence-boosting, and great value for money.
Due to popular demand, I am offering this program once again after a hiatus in 2016. There has been interest in forming a new group to kick off in February 2017. We'll meet via
Skype/phone (so you can participate from anywhere in the world). Click here to sign up to receive further information.
For more information, visit
http://developmentcrossroads.com/whats-next/ or send me an email by replying to this message.
|
|
