💎 #25: Now ➡️ Next

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is that the most important job you will have, is the one you have right now. As a society we are always looking at, or for what’s next. I am personally guilty of having an exit strategy before I even get two feet in the door. I think part of that is me knowing what I want to get out of the role, and having a keen understanding of potential growth areas. However, I also am a visionary and while I don’t [and likely will never] have a dream job, I know there are steps I want to take. I have rationalized my own thoughts to me knowing that I try to walk in prepared to find the stakeholders and paths of elevation. 

Kim Scott talks about the idea of being a superstar and/or rockstar in an organization in her book, Radical Candor. Rockstars are solid as a rock and have a gradual career growth trajectory. Superstars need to be challenged and given new opportunities for constant growth. They typically have a steep growth trajectory. I like to think in most cases I exude superstar qualities – I come in, make immediate change, and I’ll be gone before I (or you) know it. 

There are benefits to having both in an organization as well as exuding qualities of both. At the end of the day it’s important to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Your NOW is what gets you to your NEXT, and if you are not succeeding in the NOW, you are stalling your own timeline. I know some people who spend more time looking at job openings than they do handling their own responsibilities. Ultimately everyday is a gift which is why in my opinion it’s called the present. Corny but it is a great way to look at it. 

So…what are you doing NOW to prepare for next?

Even if you despise you current situation, what are you learning to make YOU better in the future?

Are you being intentional about growing your skill set to create value both now and in the future?

There are some people who want to be a superstar and make quick moves, but yet they do not even exude rockstar qualities. It’s important to hold yourself accountable and ask are you really doing the work? Are you setting yourself up for success, or, are you standing in your own way.?

What I want to leave you with is that wherever you are in your current situation, know that you will never get this present moment back. Make it count.