I was struck with an odd sense of uneasiness and anticipation this past week. Mostly, because I am heading out into the field to meet new referral sources and start my traveling campaign, I’ll be running around the whole great state of Ohio moving into my new role. I am used to traveling because that was my whole life when working in financial markets. That was the majority of the fun. I’m excited to meet new people and help grow my organization, but I also am uneasy because I’ve been somewhat confined to my bubble of home for a few years now. It’s safe here and I don’t have anything to worry about. I know where meetings are if I need one. There’s always someone around to answer my call or I can drop by their house. As humans, we become comfortable in our surroundings. It’s a blessing and a curse at times.
I say all that to encourage folks to get out of their comfort zone. Change is scary sometimes and no one is immune to that fluttery feeling. I know I will be fine it’s just a new adventure and a new reality. I wrote down way too many bullet points to help me get over the uneasy hump. Here are the top 3 that I believe could help anyone else who might be heading in a new direction. Especially if you are over the hill and are not in your 30s anymore like a certain someone who might be writing this newsletter.
Buckle up and put on some Naughty by Nature:
Give Yourself Permission to Be New: Face it you will not be perfect when you begin. That’s a common trait among entrepreneurs and salespeople. I only have a couple of years working in the treatment center world. Sure, I know way more than the average Joe, but I’m still relatively green. I’ve come to terms that I am not the smartest guy in the room and embraced that a little. It’s way more fun NOT being the guy with all the answers. Way too much responsibility and no one wants that. That’s how you end up with an ulcer and a mountain of resentment. Worst case you eat enough donuts and cake to finally get the sugars aka. Diabetes.
Be a Sponge Not a Statue: Soak up the experience. Learn everything you can from anyone that crosses your path. When I head out into the field there are people I will be meeting with that 20+ year veterans. If it was the opposite and someone was entering a financial career then I would be the expert. I can teach you how to ladder a bond portfolio, but I cannot tell you how to treat a patient with a mental health diagnosis. Trust me you don’t want me to have the ability to prescribe drugs. That’s how we get audited.
Remember Why You Started: Straight no chaser. Remember the mission at hand. You left a previous life or job behind to try something new that interests you. You took a leap of faith and that requires someone to examine the reasons why and discover their purpose. I never thought ever that I would be working in a treatment environment. I was convinced I’d be in financial markets forever. Trudging along making rich guys richer. Thank the big man upstairs for not letting that happen. I’m drawn to helping my community. I always have been I just never took it seriously until now. So no matter what roadblocks I run into I remind myself we’re helping people and the community at large. That’s more than enough for me to stay the course.
That’s all she wrote. I think I am ready for a new chapter. It’s been a long time coming since I returned to Ohio in the first place. I spent 5 years just searching and trying new things only to fail constantly. I’m finally at a strange place where I am comfortable with the direction I am heading. It’s not glamorous by any means, but who needs shiny things? At this point, I’m happy just having a roof over my head and people still willing to laugh at my jokes. Time for some pre-dinner ice cream and finding a new show to watch. Break some eggs!
Enjoy the week!
