Life’s a Journey, Not a Destination…So is Your Career.

John Maxwell once said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” These words ring true as we delve into the exhilarating and sometimes frightening world of simply trying something new. Just like setting off on a road trip, you’re bound to encounter unfamiliar terrain, but it’s the adventure that defines the experience. Many changes in our lives are completely out of our control. They are, in fact, inevitable as John says. But, through those sometimes unexpected, unwelcomed changes, we can choose personal growth as an outcome. If you can find the silver lining in even the worst of circumstances, you will be choosing growth.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” in yourself.

In the immortal words of Journey, “Don’t stop believin’!” Embracing change means believing in your ability to adapt and thrive. It’s giving yourself permission to grow despite the circumstances. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about having the courage to take that first step into the unknown and seek out the answers. Chase them, hunt them down and take in every experience on that road.

“Learning is Not Attained by Chance, It Must Be Sought for with Ardor and Attended to with Diligence.”

Maxwell’s wisdom echoes in every endeavor. When trying something new, whether it’s a new skill or a new role at work, remember that learning is a deliberate pursuit. Just as you would diligently practice foot work on a ball to improve your soccer skill, approach new challenges with dedication. Be your own cheerleader, your own mascot. When you’re tired, push harder. No one can cherry pick success, unless you are ‘Jane’ on my u8 rec soccer team (200 years ago) who camped in front of the goal and stole every single goal from her teammates. Opportunities will not just fall into your lap, and neither will skill mastery.

“Learning to Fly”

Tom Petty once sang, “Learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings.” Trying something new often feels like taking flight without wings, like leaping from a tightrope with no net below. It’s about defying gravity in the workplace, pushing title boundaries, and discovering your hidden strengths. If we don’t at least try something new, how will we ever know if we can do it or not? If I had never tried underwater basket weaving, how would I have known that I’m one mean wet basket artist?

“The Greatest Mistake You Can Make in Life Is to Continually Be Afraid You Will Make One.” and then bullying yourself when you actually do!

Maxwell’s insight is a beacon of encouragement. Fear of making mistakes can hold us back but remember that even the most legendary guitarists hit a few wrong notes before nailing the perfect riff. Mistakes are stepping stones to mastery. We absolutely can NOT succeed unless we fail. The failures are lessons in strength, in forgiveness and simply realizing that maybe our way isn’t always the right way. They are opportunities to be humble and kind, to pick yourself up ‘by your bootstraps’, not kick yourself in the face with them!

“Let It Be”

The Beatles remind us to “Let it be.” Don’t dwell on setbacks. Learn from them and keep moving forward. Failure can be the catalyst to invention if you don’t extinguish the fire.

“You May Say I’m a Dreamer, But I’m Not the Only One”

Maxwell encourages us to dream big and do it often. If you can dream it, you can at least TRY it. Envision possibilities beyond your comfort zone, beyond your current education and skill set then map your road that can lead you to that destination. Dreams can reshape your career and your life. John Lennon and the Beatles changed the world of music forever. They didn’t stand at the boundary and look over; they stepped through it and didn’t look back. We can do the same, you can do the same.

Imagine a future where you’ve conquered your fears and tried something new. It’s in these moments of boldness that you unlock your full potential. Remember that it’s not just about stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about embracing change, learning with determination, overcoming mistakes, and dreaming without limits.

Where do you want to be and how will you get there?