Looking To Take Control And Lead Your Best life?
Being The CEO Of Your Own Life
Life as we know it is unpredictable and is changing at a rapid pace. In this post, Mentor Anne Wicking will help guide you on being your own CEO and how to take control of your life.
There is so much happening around the globe that is unchartered and unknown. In recent years we have witnessed great disruption to the way we live our lives. Where some has made life more interesting, others have been challenging. Nonetheless, they have all led to immense change.
Many of us have had to move our workplaces to our loungeroom overnight and have lost face-to-face connections to the digital matric of Zoom and video calls. Physical separation from family and friends meant no hugs and kisses for a while to come. Similarly, a fear of the unknown has taken an emotional toll on many.
These are all tangible outcomes of a shifting lifestyle and without a sense of control, adjustments to our daily routines have been difficult, but incredibly important!
What is Next?
How do we plan for a future which is less predictable than life as we knew it, 6 months, 1 year or 5 years ago? How do we navigate the way forward knowing that we may need to adapt, adjust, pivot or even U-turn our personal journey? How can we become the CEO of our own life and navigate a path that brings a greater sense of internal ease, calm and joy?
It is important to remember that no journey is linear, and will be clumsy, awkward and challenging at times. We learn more from what doesn’t go right than what does and it is in this fabric of learning where you will gain the wisdom you need to make better decisions for the future.
Reflecting on my personal and professional journey and unpacking my personal strategies, I can offer the following take on the journey of discovery that led to me to taking control of my life, and becoming my own CEO.
Stage 1: 'The curious explorer'
This is the stage where you find something new, something that piques your interest and give it a go. It is a time for curiosity, listening, connecting and sense-making. Where some activities and engagements will come to a natural end, others will begin a lifelong learning process.
For this phase to work you must be open and willing to learn and explore all the possibilities that led you towards a greater sense of wellbeing. Having an open mind and being genuine about your learning process will ensure that you gain the most from this point in time.
Seeking input, advice and guidance from those around you will allow you to gain new perspectives and insights to help you navigate towards a new and enriched path.
Stage 2: 'The internal guidance system'
As you begin to gain new insights, perspectives and the routines that work for you, your internal guidance system starts to kick in, directing you towards the resources you need to achieve your goals.
This is where you begin to find yourself drawn to various people, activities and situations that allow you to feel more refreshed and engaged. You begin to realise your dreams and focus on developing yourself, others and your environment.
This step is always changing and evolving as you learn, make mistakes and grow. By being present and trusting your intuition, your inner guidance system will show you your way forward.
Stage 3: 'Putting together my “Advisory Board"
Everyone needs guidance, whether you are an owner of a company or simply someone who is trying to navigate their new life. Having access to high-quality advice can enhance your chances of success.
An Advisory board or “A Board” is a group of people that can provide informed guidance and serve as a tremendous ally in the quest for your wellbeing. However, this changes and evolves over time. There may be key members of your Advisory Board who will stay with you for the long term, however other members may need to be added for a specific purpose or timeframe as your journey unfolds.
I can share that my board has evolved over time and contains family, friends, colleagues and trusted advisors who each bring a unique perspective and provide an objective view, to enable you to learn certain new skills or just provide a non-judgmental sounding board. Some of these people I have known for decades and others only a few short years.
Three simple actions
The journey to taking control of your life always starts with a single step. If you want to get started then here are a couple of simple actions that will start the ball rolling. Remember, this is your life and there is no one better than you to lead the way and head it up.
1. Ask yourself the following questions:
Asking yourself questions is the starting point for all journeys. Thinking about what you are trying to achieve, where you are now and where you want to be will help to define your path ahead.
- What do I want to take forward in my life?
- What do I want to leave behind? and,
- How do I know this?
2. Find your “A Board”
Having a trusted group with who you can discuss topics in an open and forthright manner is invaluable. It can help to guide you when things get tough and it provides a sounding board for your ideas and routines.
Your Advisory Board should comprise of mentors who you trust and admire and who are willing to share their insights and perspectives in an open, honest and constructive manner. Start by identifying the key areas where you have gaps in your skills or experience. Who can you find with these particular skills and experiences and could help you take forward what you want in your life?
Finding you “A board” can be difficult. Fortunately, there is a host of resources, directories and platforms to help you find people with the skills and experience that you need. Ruffle Mentoring is one such example of a platform that helps to connect you with successful leaders and female mentors who can help guide and support you on your journey.
3. Get your “A Board” started
Once you have hand-selected your group of trusted advisors, engage with them and book them for a chat. Ask the questions, share your experiences and listen intently to what they have to say. This is all invaluable information and insight for you to use as you move forward.
The benefits of an Advisory Board are vast and varied, from gaining access to new skills and insights, to having a support network during difficult times. By leveraging the experience and knowledge of those around you, you can set yourself up for success on your own terms.
The Bottom Line
The more time you spend engaging with this new way of thinking, the sooner you will realise that leading your own path is a lot easier than following someone else’s. When you do decide to take control and lead your own journey, make sure it is authentic to who you are and what works for you.
I hope that the insights provided will inspire you and enable you to move forward on your path. But, if you need a helping hand, I am here to help you. Having gone through my own journey, I know what it is like to be lost, confused and unsure of what is next.
Let me help you achieve confidence and clarity for the future. With a 30-minute Power session or 60-minute Mentoring session, I will provide you with insights and advice on how to approach leadership challenges, connect and communicate with others and make the best choices, both personally and professionally.
