Shrink or expand?

I don’t know about you, but many of the conversations I’m having these days with clients and friends alike are about navigating uncertainty and volatility. Global economics, business (in)stability, a difficult job market, socio-political concerns (well, that’s one heck of an understatement)... it’s a lot, on top of whatever else life happens to be handing you these days.

I’ve thought a lot this year about what all this means for our work. And by work I don’t mean the job you clock-in at necessarily; I mean the work you really want to do while you’re on this earth. The footprint you want to leave behind.

And something that has come up for me time and again is that when things feel like they might be on the verge of falling part, we can go one of two ways: we can shrink or we can expand.

(There’s probably more than two options really, the “middle way” and all that, but let’s consider these contrasting options for now.)

Shrinking might show up as grasping for security. Playing it smaller or more conservative in hopes of being, if not unscathed, at least less shaken up. If we put less out there (and put less of ourselves into it) it might feel like there’s less to lose.

On the other hand, expanding might involve choosing to let go of the things that matter less, and going bigger on the stuff that really matters to you. Doing the work you most want to do.

There’s a kind of clarity that comes when you realize that things might not all shake out as you’d hoped or expected. This clarity can include some decisions about how you want to spend your time, what risks you’re willing to take, and exactly what you want to commit to.

I guess what I’m saying is: If you’re feeling uncertain or maybe even downright fearful about what’s to come, maybe this is a moment to consider what you want to do most. And whether there is a dream project or idea you finally, fully, want to make happen for yourself, in a no-holds-barred, let’s-effing-go! kind of way.

(Personally, I love working on these kinds of projects with truly committed folks because there is nothing better than helping someone bring a dream to reality. It’s a beautiful thing.)

To help you mull this over, here are some prompts to journal or think about:

1. What is one message you deeply, genuinely want to impart to others? And why does that matter to you?

2. Imagine three people are talking about you and the difference you’ve made in their lives. They are saying, “They really helped me...” How are they finishing those sentences?

3. If you’re really, truly honest with yourself, what is a big project or goal you would love to make happen? (Not something you think you “should” do, but something you genuinely want.)

4. Imagine you’re looking back on your life years from now. What could you do now / in the coming year that would make future-you feel grateful to present-you?

5. If you and I were to be cracking a bottle of champagne and celebrating one year from now, what exactly would we be toasting? (That’s a prompt I got from a friend and I love it.)

If you do this exercise, I’d love to hear your answer to any/all of these questions.

As always, if there’s a big project you need some help with, give me a shout. As a reminder:

--> I help people take their big ideas — for books, courses, certifications, written products, keynote speeches, and more — and make them happen. I can help you turn your vague idea into a real, tangible, thing, bring it to market, and make it something you’re incredibly proud of.

And...

--> I help leaders develop their communications skills and communicate regularly and impactfully so they make a bigger difference, and get better results. (A client recently told me, “You helped me express myself in a way I never thought possible. You have given me a gift I will have for the rest of my life. And now I will pass that gift on to others.” Now that’s the kind of feedback that makes ME proud.)

On a more personal note , I can tell you honestly that I’ve spent the past year and a half facing some of my biggest fears while committing to honouring my own, wildly inconvenient truth... and while it’s been incredibly difficult, it’s also brought me to the best possible place, and I truly believe there’s so much more to come.

Sometimes (oftentimes?) the hardest things can also be the most rewarding. So if there’s something you really want to do and it scares the crap out of you, hmmm... maybe you should do it. 😉

I’m betting you’re more capable than you think.