Careers will increasingly be about continuously re-inventing yourself. Don't worry about age, continuous change actually helps to stay young - or at least to have that image of yourself.
Let me add one thought to your post that may perhaps help when people think about re-inventing themselves, and when they build the next phase of their career: the power of intuition and subconscious processing. Create the mental space to hear your intuitive voice. Next, pressure test what you hear on a conscious level to make sure you make the decision that's right for you.
Great post Grant. As you know, we both embarked on new careers at about the same moment and I recognise lots of my journey in yours. There's one thing that comes through clearly in the 27 rules even though you don't say it - and that's adaptability. Like any big life change, I don't think you can approach it with a fixed mindset. You're going to encounter lots of things you could never have predicted. Those who do best, do what you did - they flex and adapt, they learn and refocus. Reinvention isn't about going from A to B, it's about being comfortable not knowing where B is but that you'll have fun finding it. P.S. your friend was an idiot. I don't think age is relevant at all. It's never too early or too late to find the thing you were made for.
That's great Matt, thank you. And so true. I was worried about that whole unpredictable nature of the change but in actual fact it was - and is! - so inspiring. You've got to embrace it
Thank you, really appreciate that. But I think I want to do something in finance now. I have no formal training or skills but that surely isn't an impediment?
Great stuff - it’s a little more than a year later since you wrote these rules and it’s crazy how much the world has changed. Would you change or add any more to the 27?
Thanks Margaret. I wouldn't change any because they worked for me in that moment - and still do. But if I'd add any, it would probably be Switch Off. I can get too obsessed with building connections and pushing for business and keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities that I miss the importance of not doing anything. It clears the head and keeps you sane, especially when things are 'quiet', which they invariably are in summer.
Grant This is golddust. I also reinvented myself about 10 years ago determined to break into the Humanitarian sector ( my passion). I am delighted (and humbled) to say that I'm now in the room and my life has transformed. Going back to a Masters at 45 years old was - well- tough - but worth it. Today I'm on a work visit to Africa alongside such great people and feeling grateful I was bold. I literally love my job. Forza tutti.
Not and add, but a reinforcement: ASK questions...I find that that as time goes by I am able to ask better questions and I have never felt dumb asking any question (i actually ask questions for a a living so that works for me. And number two, learn/learn/learn. Curiosity and learning are keys to growth and this stage of life is the best time to grow because the foundation is solid, but you need to also ensure that is isn't inflexible.
Thanks Barry - and that is so true. A very successful friend of mine in an entirely different field recently told me that his success meant that he didn't need to learn anything new. What a terrible admission to make. When we stop learning - or wanting to learn - it's all downhill from there
This is great. As a fellow re-inventor, I would add 'Just hit send' which is closely related to 'Say fuck it'. Whenever you are agonising about what to say to a client or prospect, or whether to say it at all you are almost certainly overthinking it. What have you got to lose? You have to put yourself out there and move on.
I very much enjoyed reading your post, Grant!
Careers will increasingly be about continuously re-inventing yourself. Don't worry about age, continuous change actually helps to stay young - or at least to have that image of yourself.
Let me add one thought to your post that may perhaps help when people think about re-inventing themselves, and when they build the next phase of their career: the power of intuition and subconscious processing. Create the mental space to hear your intuitive voice. Next, pressure test what you hear on a conscious level to make sure you make the decision that's right for you.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/three-steps-making-tough-decisions-paul-peter-tak/
Loved this Grant and really needed to see this today! Drinks in the (actual) Groucho soon? X
Great post Grant. As you know, we both embarked on new careers at about the same moment and I recognise lots of my journey in yours. There's one thing that comes through clearly in the 27 rules even though you don't say it - and that's adaptability. Like any big life change, I don't think you can approach it with a fixed mindset. You're going to encounter lots of things you could never have predicted. Those who do best, do what you did - they flex and adapt, they learn and refocus. Reinvention isn't about going from A to B, it's about being comfortable not knowing where B is but that you'll have fun finding it. P.S. your friend was an idiot. I don't think age is relevant at all. It's never too early or too late to find the thing you were made for.
That's great Matt, thank you. And so true. I was worried about that whole unpredictable nature of the change but in actual fact it was - and is! - so inspiring. You've got to embrace it
Excellent stuff Grant. You should consider doing it for a living!
Thank you, really appreciate that. But I think I want to do something in finance now. I have no formal training or skills but that surely isn't an impediment?
Great stuff - it’s a little more than a year later since you wrote these rules and it’s crazy how much the world has changed. Would you change or add any more to the 27?
Thanks Margaret. I wouldn't change any because they worked for me in that moment - and still do. But if I'd add any, it would probably be Switch Off. I can get too obsessed with building connections and pushing for business and keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities that I miss the importance of not doing anything. It clears the head and keeps you sane, especially when things are 'quiet', which they invariably are in summer.
Thanks for this. Just reading it at a time I need to see this. As I worry about what’s next. My hobby at the moment is stand up comedy.
Thanks for reading Des. And I think if you can do/survive stand-up, you can do/survive anything. Good luck!
Grant This is golddust. I also reinvented myself about 10 years ago determined to break into the Humanitarian sector ( my passion). I am delighted (and humbled) to say that I'm now in the room and my life has transformed. Going back to a Masters at 45 years old was - well- tough - but worth it. Today I'm on a work visit to Africa alongside such great people and feeling grateful I was bold. I literally love my job. Forza tutti.
Thanks so much Jane. Boldness! We need more of it. Congrats and really appreciate you reading this and commenting.
Not and add, but a reinforcement: ASK questions...I find that that as time goes by I am able to ask better questions and I have never felt dumb asking any question (i actually ask questions for a a living so that works for me. And number two, learn/learn/learn. Curiosity and learning are keys to growth and this stage of life is the best time to grow because the foundation is solid, but you need to also ensure that is isn't inflexible.
Thanks Barry - and that is so true. A very successful friend of mine in an entirely different field recently told me that his success meant that he didn't need to learn anything new. What a terrible admission to make. When we stop learning - or wanting to learn - it's all downhill from there
This is great. As a fellow re-inventor, I would add 'Just hit send' which is closely related to 'Say fuck it'. Whenever you are agonising about what to say to a client or prospect, or whether to say it at all you are almost certainly overthinking it. What have you got to lose? You have to put yourself out there and move on.
To be honest, the stats seem to support your view. NAFC seems to succeed more than actually having one!