A week in the tropics. Alone with my thoughts and contemplation. A chance to navel gaze and wrangle with the ‘why’ and ‘what next’ of mid life.
It’s kismet that the opportunity for a week away in balmy North Queensland coincides with navigating some life questions.
Let’s see if sunshine and snorkelling, reading and afternoon swims foster clarity.
We’re fresh off the plane but so far everything has gone right. This is a good sign.
What does success look like to you? Professional success. Not good health and a beautiful family, a roof over your head and food in the fridge, and not money in the bank.
The career success that makes work exciting and challenging and keeps you coming back for more.
After a recent deadline heavy week, delivering with a small team on a year-long project with a go-live date set in stone, I headed for home and the weekend ahead wondering what the heck.
There was no collective sigh of relief, or group congrats. No high fives, backslapping or heading to the nearest pub for a debrief. No one expects fireworks or popping champagne corks but the anticlimax, the fizzle of adrenalin, and the emptiness of the non-occasion was real.
I had to ask myself, what does success look like to me now?
In the old days of a big, bold career success was cheers with the team, wrap parties, or bump out drinks. When success was really meaningful, it was a juicy bonus and a promotion.
Those days are behind me. Now, success is measured in meeting business objectives; the satisfaction of creating something of value; learning new skills and conquering fears (both hugely invigorating for me); and being proud of the outcome, even if no one else seems to notice.
Oh, and not killing someone in the process. That’s always a win.
What does success look like to you?
