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Writer's pictureLiz Tracy

Where Is Your Career Taking You?


We’ve been doing a lot of hiking lately and really enjoying it.


It's great to get outside, exercise out of the gym, see wonderful vistas and enjoy the surprises of new environments. 


When in Shenandoah National Park, I had a few observations that reminded me of the work I do as a career coach. 


Switchbacks help you manage the climb (and your career)

When hiking you don’t go straight up, we often use switchbacks.  They make the trail less steep and easier to climb.  And, they also protect the trail from the wear and tear of hikers and erosion.  Most of us don’t have a straight up linear career these days either.  We have a career lattice and move sideways to get where we want to go.  We are learning there are times where we need to get training for new skills or take a step back to head in a new direction.  Could a career switchback help you get where you want to go?


Stillness and quiet helps brings wildlife (and inspiration | ideas | opportunity)

When we hike where there are people, we see little wildlife.  When we walk quietly and are still and patient, wildlife will cross our path.  The same happens with inspiration, insights and opportunities.  If we are constantly busy and focused on doing, doing, doing, we don’t allow space for the ideas, inspiration and related opportunities to make themselves known.  If we were heads down focused on the path or jabbering away we wouldn’t have seen this beautiful guy. What could be around you now waiting to be seen or heard?   


You’ll miss too much if you wait for perfect (weather or timing) 

The weather changes over the course of a hike or day.  Yes, hiking in a hurricane or day long deluge isn’t wise.  But, if we didn’t go out because there was a 50% chance of rain, we’d miss wonderful moments.  The clouds, fog, mist and rain clears for at least some of the hike and you get amazing views and see interesting things.  Are you waiting for the perfect conditions to make your next move? What do you need to move forward with the conditions around you now?


The summit and vistas are part of the journey (not exclusively the goal)

It's great to feel the accomplishment of seeing the vista or hitting the summit. But sometimes the weather conditions make it hard to see and the hike is still worth it. Maybe we saw wildlife or something unusual, or had an insight or just felt closer to our hiking partner.  How about this tiny snapping turtle hatchling! And, we have the hike down too! Obsessing about hitting our next professional goal or promotion is like focusing only on the summit or view.  How can you find more to enjoy on the journey?


Reach out for help and inspiration to be more intentional with your career! You can schedule time with me here or email me at liz@tracypartnerships.com


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