Career: are you doing things right or are you doing the right things?
I have a long CV. I have a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality/Facility Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration, in addition to numerous courses. I have always enjoyed learning because it opens up more possibilities than you think and it’s satisfying for me to stretch myself.
The same goes for my career: manager, project manager, program manager, director, interim director, and finally owner-director. In healthcare organizations and commercial companies. And eventually in a real estate company.
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinadehaan/ if you want to know more)
In the past (let’s say until I was 40), change for me started with an uncomfortable feeling. A feeling of being stuck, too busy, overwhelmed, not enjoyable, repetitive, routine… that was a sign that I had waited too long. After I turned 40, I became better at recognizing the symptoms; it’s now often a vague feeling. And I recognized that: time for action (no, rest!)
Then I sit by the sea, somewhere on an island, alone. I am gazing, feeling, walking… clearing my mind. And that’s when I ask the question: am I doing things right or am I doing the right things?
Do I still enjoy this, am I still adding value, do I (still) support this organization or change? Do I have enough knowledge and experience and do I still bring the right energy? Do I have enough free time, am I generally doing the things I want to do?
So, I want to contribute differently. With more grace, ease and joy. Work less hard, more smart. Create instead of work. Use the laws of creation and the laws of quantum physics. Inspire people. Be an example.
So, regularly ask yourself: am I doing things right or am I doing the right things? I’m doing the right things. Ans live my life to the fullest.