Careers are seldom a meteroic rise to the top .001% without speed bumps, detours, and even choosing an entirely new destination to pursue. Yet, I am an ardent believer that all experiences make us who we are…..the good, the challenging, and most importantly – the crushing. The lessons I’ve learned through multiple corporate leadership roles, and over the past 15 years as a boot-strapped entrepreneur are numerous……and perhaps may even become a book some day.
As most of my peeps know, my professional journey was one driven by heart and the desire to make an impact on lives…..and thus, many of my conventional meaning-making colleagues questioned my choices – as they were not the obvious or most predictable path. Through this beautiful zig-zagged career I have built, there are 3 lessons which are undeniable and, I believe, relevant for anyone seeking alignment in their lives, and who truly want to create the life they really really want to live.
- We are most certainly at our most powerful when we are aligned. To me, the secret to fulfillment, growth, never-ceasing energy, and unbridled passion is alignment –which to me means: when you know for sure that you’re on course, and doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing, fulfilling your soul’s intention… when your life is on a course with its purpose. And as I wrote in all three of my books, alignment is when: “We love what we do, we are good at it, and most importantly, it is tied to something much greater than ourselves.” When this happens, we, and how we contribute, are most certainly at our most powerful.
My concept of ‘alignment’ was spawned through my own life experiences, personal, and professional. From my own personal experiences, alignment within oneself is the first step to harnessing our potential. Once an individual is truly aligned around their purpose – and thus, they are indeed living their life on purpose – this is when and where Divine power is revealed and released. I believe that the most fulfilled and successful individuals are those whose thoughts, feelings, beliefs, gifts, talents, strengths, preferences and desires on how and where to contribute in the world are aligned. Their mind, body, emotions, and spirit are in harmony. There is simply no substitute for total alignment and congruency within a person or leader.
And I will also say that when we find alignment, it may indeed be an unconventional choice and it may not fit societal expectations. Which leads me to my second career lesson.
2. We define success on our terms. Success is not solely about rising in the corporate ranks, accumulating wealth, having the biggest house or the snazziest car. Nor is it about exceeding society’s expectations about how/what you are to do with your life. It is 100% about how you want to contribute in this ‘one wild and precious life’. Success is not stagnate…it evolves and changes scope and shape as we evolve. Our definitions of success is invariably change as we move through life. As unique as we are, so are the definitions of success. Each of us have the CHOICE to define success from the corners of our soul. Success comes from within…it is not awarded by the outside. We have the opportunity AND the responsibility to define success for ourselves…..and sit the seat of our most authentic power.
3. It is NEVER too late – and there is ABSOLUTELY more than one way! How we contribute in this life is an individual choice. As Joseph Campbell sums up the ‘hero’s journey’ we are each traveling: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Sometimes that means ‘letting go’ and moving forward with courage down another path. There are many ways we can build the life we want to live. There is no ‘one way’ and it is never ever too late. As long as we have breath….we have the ability to contribute and make an impact on the world.
So, if you are at a place in your life, that is not fulfilling…there are other options. If you are in a job that is wearing you out and you are not going in the direction you want to go….there are other options. If you are not sure ‘where you are’ or ‘where you want to go’….there are other options…and it is never too late. The key is to take the first step….because if we don’t change, nothing will change.
My best,
Kristin
4 ways I can help you right now:
- If this blogwas helpful – consider following me on YouTube: http://www.kristinkaufman.com/Kristinyoutube
- If you are struggling with what you want to do (or how to do it!) – get a copy of my Alignment questionnaire….to shed light on how to create the life you want! Click this link to get YOUR copy: http://www.kristinkaufman.com/free-assessment/
- If you like what you are doing (or not) yet just want to make more money….let me help you build an additional revenue stream to augment your other incomes! Click this link to learn more about this: https://partnerwithkristin.com
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