How good a ‘fit’ are your work shoes?
I locked eyes with Julia Roberts that sunny Sunday afternoon.
Reminded of that brief encounter recently, I see my younger self (1995) crossing the lobby of The Shelbourne Hotel. Glancing in the direction of the famous revolving doors I catch the eyes of a woman dressed in period costume. Sparkling beneath a khaki green hat, they register with me instantly, but instinct somehow prevents me from greeting them with a wave of friendship.
Of course, I didn’t and still don’t know JR. I am acquainted with the public personas she has famously portrayed, as she glides seamlessly between onscreen characters. What a challenge that must be for actors! To step into the shoes of someone else and don their persona for months or even years, all the while retaining a firm grip on the REAL you.
Business life can pose a similar challenge, obliging us to ‘perform’. The ‘YOU’ that lives at home transforms as you step into the shoes of your work persona. This can happen seamlessly for years until one day something nudges the real ‘YOU’ in the ribs and those work shoes start to feel uncomfortable.
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can be tortuous. They slow us down and impact our ability to perform. If we don’t adjust or change them, they begin to damage our feet, and negatively impact our life.
If your work shoes are ill-fitting you need to ask yourself
- What part of the shoe (my work) is hurting me and impacting me negatively?
Do a thorough examination just like you would on your shoe. Walk through your average work day. As you do, note down the parts you enjoy, and those you don’t. Scrutinize each.
- What is it about the ‘enjoy’ parts that fit ‘YOU’ and the ‘don’t enjoy’ ones that cause you discomfort?
Be as thorough as a Chiropodist would be when examining your foot.
- What causes you to flinch, to feel pain?
- When does it happen?
- What other factors (if any) play a part?
With the pinch points identified, move on to explore what options you have to ease the discomfort.
- What avenues are open to you to convert those ‘don’t enjoy’ parts to ‘enjoy’?
- What will be involved if you travel down each avenue?
- What might ease your passage?
- What obstacles might you meet?
Armed with this information you can move on to make an informed decision, comfortable in the knowledge that you have performed a thorough examination.
Should you find it difficult to get started on your journey, a qualified Business Coach will, like a Chiropodist, help you locate and understand the key points of discomfort. They’ll help you evaluate your options, and ease you forward to the point where you can make informed decisions and set out your plan of action.
Remember, the important thing is to take action. If like the average working person, you spend over 50% of our waking hours at work, why wear shoes that don’t fit properly?