It’s interesting where life leads us, a thought that came to mind as I read this Wall Street Journal article (subscription required): “You’re Already Moving Toward Your Next Career”. The essence of it is about how everything we do in life is additive in some way, even if in the moment we don’t know what it’s building towards or preparing us for. Even though the title references career, it’s also a message for life overall.
On the career point, people often ask me if I had a master plan for becoming a CEO. There was no master plan. Nor did it happen in a straight line. Nor did it happen quickly. It took years of different jobs and experiences, many of which included responsibilities that took me out of my comfort zone because they weren’t my strengths. It also included taking steps back to take steps forward. But every experience was a building block that prepared me for the next.
In all my jobs over the years, one of my biggest learnings that still helps me today has to do with people: understanding other people’s needs and what’s important to them. I’ve found by helping other people achieve their goals, I’m able to achieve my own. Something else I learned that still sits with me is you’re never too much of a rookie or too much of an expert to learn something new. One of my early jobs while in college was at a car dealership. My job responsibilities included doing whatever needed to be done, from running errands for the sales team to mowing the lawn and cleaning cars to handling ad hoc requests. Despite some of the mundane tasks in the hot and humid Houston weather, I learned so much, including the payoff that comes from doing things you don’t want or like to do. There’s nothing like it in building perseverance.
Another memorable job was one I had right out of college. I was an analyst, and a significant part of my responsibilities included developing financial forecasts. Several leaders’ decisions depended on my financial forecasts, so it was critical I met their timelines and provided them with accurate information. I’d spend considerable time reviewing and organizing the materials before delivering them to ensure they were correct and easily understood, combined with working overtime to ensure the reports were delivered on or before they were expected. I’d also spend extra time studying how to build better spreadsheets and financial models, including more technical formulas. It’s often said 90% of success is showing up, but I’d also add 90% of success is being passionate about serving others. There’s also something to be said about concentrating 100% on the current job at hand vs. thinking about a desired role 5-10 years down the road. Doing the small stuff well shows others you can do more, which often leads to roles with increasingly more responsibility, as well as deeper relationships and trust with others who can vouch for you when other opportunities arise.
I share all this to say, reaching career and life goals isn’t about creating a perfect plan. Incremental steps over time can be extraordinary. It starts with knowing your priorities and your values; they will guide you in responding to the ups and downs. I remind myself often that life is a summation of daily decisions. What’s interesting is when equipped with purpose and values, and a flexible mindset, doors open and oftentimes lead to “accidental” experiences that introduce us to some of our life’s greatest moments. All this reminds me of an inspiring book I read a couple years ago, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Some of my favorite lines from it:
A well-designed life is a life that is generative—it is constantly creative, productive, changing, evolving and there is always possibility of surprise.
It doesn’t matter where you come from, where you think you are going, what job or career you have had or think you should have. You are not too late, and you’re not too early.
Dysfunctional Belief: Happiness is having it all. Reframe: Happiness is letting go of what you don’t need.
My hope is you’ll also be inspired by the article and book, knowing no matter where we are in life, we’re just getting started.