Hi there Reader,
Welcome to this edition of Meaningful eMail with the most recent takeaway and updates linked here at the top, and then a full article for your consideration.
Grab what's helpful today, then save others for future reference. You never know when you or someone in your network could use a boost!
Recent Takeaways & Updates
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Top Takeaway: Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra
Excellent book on career shifts backed by research & case studies.
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Let's Explore
Options & resources for your path
In my last email, we explored what it feels like when we come to the end of well-travelled path; whether that's a nature hike or career, there are some parallel feelings of confusion when we find ourselves lost, along with anticipation for what lies ahead.
For this email, let's continue the journey metaphor with a great exercise I came across in Working Identity. Referred to as Stanford's Odyssey Method, just the title alone is a great tie in to journeys and then the way this method helps us evaluate possible paths is even better.
While I first saw this exercise in Ibarra's book, the original source for it is the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. And in the span of two weeks I've come across several references and a personal recommendation for the book, so you can bet it'll be the subject of my next Top Takeaway! Stay tuned!
Maybe it's a bit premature to discuss the method before I read the book? Nah. Let's explore it together. The little bit I do know about it can absolutely help those who find themselves at a crossroads. I know I'll be using this as I evaluate new program offerings in my business and I hope it help you in whatever crossroads you find yourself
The Odyssey Method
The Odyssey, that classic poem by Homer, is often said to be an exploration of the meaning of life. It follows Odysseus as he returns home from The Trojan War, including several decisions along the way which alter his course one way or another.
This method follows that theme of contemplating alternate courses for the future - our future.
Step 1: Option A
Think about your current situation for work - and even for your life in general. If it were to continue as it is right now, how do you imagine your work and life to look like in 5 years?
Get into the details:
- what's a typical day like?
- what are you doing?
- how are you feeling?
- who are you with?
- where are you living? working?
- what are your responsibilities?
- how do you spend your weekends? vacations?
- what's your financial situation?
Step 2: Option B
What would you do if something blocked Option A's trajectory and you needed to pivot?
Step 3: Option C
What would you do if money, time, image/status were no object? Let your imagination soar! Set aside about what people might think or any cultural or family expectations. No one even needs to know this option, just give yourself permission to explore.
Step 4: Reflect
What are your initial reactions once you see these options written down? What trends do you see among these three alternate courses? What parts might you take from one option and add to another? How does each option align with your current values, resources and capacity for change? Now, what can you take from this exercise to move forward and explore? To craft a meaningful second half, to move into a what's next that's worthwhile?
Plans vs prototypes
Notice I used the term "option" instead of "plan" in the steps above. What I often see in my coaching is how intimidating "plans" can be, but "options" or even "prototypes" encourages a more playful curiosity about the future.
Prototypes give us a feel for seeing and feeling an idea as we bring it from a fleeting 'what-if' to a more specific real-world shape. Just like when I used them in my design career (where we called them comps), prototypes also often spur even more ideas as we see those specifics take shape. Those questions listed above really help us imagine how these various alternate directions can influence the amazing second half just out there waiting for us.
And when it comes to crafting a more meaningful second half, exploring options leads us to uncovering our best self and how we can best express it. We're often so ingrained in old identities, habits and beliefs it's hard to even know how we've grown, what we do enjoy doing, and what's important to us now.
So give the Odyssey Method a go. Explore three different options from the 'now' to 'what could be' and in the next email we'll take these options even deeper!
