It’s hard for me to believe this, but eight years ago, I resigned from my full-time job as a healthcare administrator in order to fully focus my efforts on keynote speaking, writing, consulting, and helping workplaces all over the world to become kinder and more compassionate.
To say that the past eight years have been exciting, humbling, and downright horrifying (remember, three of the past eight years have been in a global pandemic), would be a huge understatement.
So, why and how did I make this important decision to leave my job and start my own business eight years ago? It’s actually pretty simple, and you should try it too.
I asked my imaginary 90 year-old self for advice.
That might sound strange, but hear me out on this.
The decision to quit my job didn’t come easily. There were many pros and cons on both sides, and it was maddening to figure out what to do next.
I truly believe that all of us have the answers to our problems inside of us. That’s why whenever I’m faced with a really challenging decision, I do something that has always given me the proper perspective and has never failed me:
I get quiet and picture that my 90 year-old self came from the future to help me sort through all of the confusion. If that happened, what would he say?
Here is the wisdom that I pictured him sharing with me:
“Stop missing out on these special moments with your daughters in order to claw your way up the corporate ladder. When you get to be my age, you’ll know that your relationships are what matter most–and no one has ever regretted putting their family first.”
“I know that it’s scary not to have a steady paycheck, but if you get to my age without fully going after your dream to bring kindness and more compassion to workplaces all over the world, you will never forgive yourself for not giving it your best effort.”
“Most importantly, everything will end up okay–it always does. Your dream didn’t come to you by accident, young Shola–it’s time to go for it.”
What if your 90 year-old self came from the future to give you advice?
👉🏾 Would they tell you to stay in that loveless, soul-decaying marriage until you eventually die?
👉🏾 Would they tell you to put off your dreams for another 20-30 years as you give more power to your fears and insecurities?
👉🏾 Would they tell you that taking your health seriously is something that can wait indefinitely?
👉🏾 Would they tell you to dishonor yourself by enduring the abuse from your boss until you’re finally able to retire?
You already know the answers to those questions (and many other questions too), and that’s the key message behind this post.
I believe that deep down, all of us know exactly what to do in every situation.
The only question is, will you listen to that wise voice today? ❤️