Work in Progress
Life isn’t linear.
Oftentimes, our stress, anxiety, and frustration with life comes from a clash between our current reality, and how we think it “should be.” You’ve heard the quote… “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s true. When we are stuck in the loop of comparison, it impacts our joy, or at the very least, our peace.
But what are we comparing our lives to?
We often compare our lives to a story in our mind; an idea of how it's “supposed to be,” as if there is some pre-scripted, linear order for how life should unfold. But life isn’t linear. To be human is to live in the messy middle; the gray space in between the black and white, where all of life’s juicy richness and beauty unfolds.
To help us embrace life as it is, it's important to bring awareness to where we learn the stories of “should” and “supposed to.” The fairytale versions of life are taught to us in books, movies, TV shows, social media, magazines, and more. Not just once, but over and over and over again. It's not our fault we carry these stories. However, identifying them can help us set them down.
Let's Practice
ACTIVITY: Noticing External Messages
Ask Yourself:
What do I feel like I “should” have accomplished already?
Where do I remember hearing this message from?
How does this message make me feel about my current circumstances?
What if this message wasn’t the truth, but just one version of how life can look?
These questions are designed to help you start reflecting on the various paths life can take.
Embracing the Messiness of Life
There isn’t a single person on planet earth who has it all together.
When we start to understand that life isn't linear, we can start to embrace life as it is. Each one of us is a work in progress. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, and imperfections as something to fix, we can learn to see them as opportunities for growth and acceptance. As a result, our quality of life improves.
Cultivating psychological flexibility and resilience has been well-studied. It is a learned skill through practice and repetition. Research has shown that individuals who practice acceptance of their imperfections and failures are better able to pursue valued life goals and experience greater overall well-being.
In the Japanese the art of Kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired with gold, highlighting the beauty in its imperfections. Just as the mended pottery becomes more valuable, our lives can gain richness through adversity and unexpected twists and turns.
ACTIVITY: Be The Main Character
Pretend your life is a movie or a book you’re reading/watching. You’re the main character in the story. At this point in the plot, what’s happening in your life now is the same as what’s happening to the main character in the story. As a reader/viewer, what do you want to happen next? Are you rooting for them? What’s the hero’s ending to this part of the story?
Mindset for career growth
Careers aren’t linear.
When we apply a non-comparative mindset to our professional lives and careers, it can transform how we experience our work. Many successful professionals and leaders have stories filled with detours and setbacks that ultimately shaped their success. Tarana Burke, an activist and founder of the "Me Too" movement, is a wonderful example of turning challenges into success. Despite facing personal experiences of trauma, Burke channeled her resilience into creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and seek support. Her tireless advocacy has sparked a global movement for social change, empowering survivors and challenging systems of power.
As individuals, we’re a work in progress, and so are our careers. With an endless possibility of career choices and jobs, nearly one-third of the workforce changes jobs every year. So whether you are Gen Z, a Millennial, Gen X, or a Baby Boomer, change in your work life is almost inevitable. Gone are the days of staying in the same job, let alone the same career, for the entirety of our professional lives.
With each new job, detour, setback, and promotion, we will learn new things, grow our networks, and strengthen our existing skills. Gaining more awareness of your current skill set through continued reflection can help shape future decisions you will inevitably make to move you toward your goals.
ACTIVITY: REFLECT ON YOUR SKILLSETS
Ask Yourself:
What are my professional superpowers?
How did you gain these skills?
What skills would be most supportive of my future goals?
What actions can I take to develop those skills?
By practicing a “work in progress" mindset, we not only enhance our personal growth but also contribute to a workplace culture that values authenticity and embraces the richness of diverse experiences. Remember, each twist, turn, and unexpected event or imperfection contributes to your learning.
