I’m at one of those points in life where I’m questioning where I am, what I’m doing and what I really want. In principle I’m seriously 
looking at the possibility of changing my career, but I don’t know how. I would love to do something that not only brings me financial freedom, but also personal satisfaction – something I can enjoy doing while helping others.
I know to do something like that sounds like a dream, something probably not many of us have achieved. What makes it harder is that I do not know how to look for it. So far I have invested a great deal of money, time and life into my career. I have a bachelor’s degree, a further 3-year professional qualification and another few years for an MBA plus many short courses. All of this in pursuit of my passion, the ‘thing’ that would make me feel completely happy. Despite all of that I don’t think I have found it yet. Nevertheless I would not call myself a failure. I have a good job and, as some say, I have done better than many. I have a wonderful family and many things to be grateful for.
But having just a ‘good job’ is not my aim in life. The stress, the long hours and the feeling I could do something more enjoyable, something more meaningful, does not compensate for the reality that I’m not feeling happy. Thinking that if I don’t take action now I could end up doing the same ‘good job’ for another 30-40 years of my life is a thought I struggle to bear with.
Through a friend I was introduced to Lighthouse. It was good to know that there is someone out there willing to help, someone that was in my situation and understands how I feel. The daily emails received by them have also helped me to see the world in a different light. There is plenty of material out there and they have been assertive in the way they have done it. Starting the day with a new thought about how we can improve our lives and help others is quite refreshing.
Since then I have been lucky to keep in constant communication with them. I have had the opportunity to express how I feel and start working on how to change it. At the moment I’m starting to work through the Lighthouse Wants and Needs Gap Assessment and Analysis. Even though I’m at the early stage of the process I already feel the changes it has brought. Working with a structured plan and having some guidance has really made the difference. I have already managed to reduce my stress; the process has made me more conscious that not only the aim is important, but also the way we plan and work towards the aim. It is not only about how I can get another job, it is about how I can change the way I approach everything in life. It has been about taking a break in my busy life to think about what I’m doing, how I am doing it and what needs to change. I know it is a long process but, for where I am, I am committed to take the necessary actions to be a better, happier person.
I really appreciate the time and support that James from Lighthouse has offered me and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with him.
Thanks to Lighthouse and its team – I believe what you are trying to do could really change many people’s lives.
Defining The Breakthrough Lessons
by Adam Wallis – Associate Partner, Mentor & Coach, Lighthouse International
So what can we learn from this person’s experience of exploring new directions in their life?
1. Always Be Questioning & Assessing Your Path Through Life – How many people go to university, get their graduate job, work hard to progress in their career only to look up and wonder where their life has gone? Perhaps you can relate to that? It is so common. Too often we find ourselves a long way down a path that actually we probably wouldn’t have ideally chosen, only to discover we can’t really turn back. Great leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and the top professionals are always, always assessing where they are at and where they are going. The more we adopt that habit, the more control we will have over the direction of our personal and professional lives.
2. Assess Your Life as a Whole – Not Just Your Career – You’ll find a lot out there that will help you map out the ideal career path, but what if that isn’t congruent with who you are as a person, with your passions, aspirations and potential? You might be surprised at the number of people who have high flying careers but feel miserable or worse. When you’re trying to map out where to take you career, take a step back and look at your life as a whole – What inspires you? What really moves you? What would cause you to jump out of bed on a Monday morning? After going through a process of self-reflection and assessment in this way, watch how much more effective, passionate and driven you will be at work.
If you would like to speak to one of our Lighthouse Mentors or someone going through the Lighthouse Gap Assessment & Analysis, just register on this page.
*Images courtesy of Nicola & Joel Montes de Oca @ Flikr
