We ‘start’ long before the official start
I'm not sure when the adventure began but I know it was well before the date we marked "LEAVE!" on the calendar. For a while we ‘toyed’ with the idea of RVing for months. Then we said, Yes, let’s do this! For months after that moment, we planned. We had wins and challenges. We thought we knew A and actually B was the answer.
Case in point: Over two-thirds of the US was hit by Winter Storm Fern - our little plan and RV included. When there are subzero wind chills, closed schools and government offices, delayed and canceled flights by the tens of thousands, few people say, "Let’s live in an RV!". We knew we’d run into adversity on the road…but this early? Funny how that goes.
At first I was disappointed...it'll mess up our leg seeing Western & Eastern North Carolina. After a head-clearing walk with Boh, I remembered: THIS IS THE TRIP. The plan and replan; staying calm and work the problem. Making our best guess as to where we will be and what the weather will hold and adjusting. THAT is the work of this trip even if it’s before a mile has been driven.
The Lesson: The actual beginning of significant events can sneak up on you. We ‘arrive’ before we really realize it. Just think - how much work goes into a big kick off event. MONTHS of work can go into planning a moment we declare the start…but it already started!
How many times in life do we say things like "I'll be [insert something awesome] in the future when I [insert the hard work, certification, award, sense of confidence and capability, etc.]"?
I'll be a Mom when the baby's born
I'll be that new role when I have the title
I'll be a proper Group Facilitator with a more experience.
I changed my behaviors and focused my life and body towards a child WELL before our son was born. I fulfilled a role before a title was granted because I couldn't figure out how to be less of a consultant. And I was on a paid contract with Joyce and Andre (IYKYK- peers, mentors, amazing thought leaders and humans) when Andre simply asked "Why are we talking about becoming a facilitator? You are a facilitator now. " Do you see that funny moment? I was actually in the car driving to paid work about to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best in the industry discussing how do I become a facilitator.
The invitation here is to look closely at your situation - role, state or level. Success isn't in the future, it’s now. Building experience in a role indicates you ARE IN the role. You aren't waiting, claim the role you are and acknowledge your level of experience.
Time, enjoyment, learning, confidence - all can be missed when we wait to feel the sensation of arrival.
Reflection - where do you need clarity? What are you today, already, but it snuck up on you? What needs to shift in your thoughts or behaviors to embody all that the role/mindset encompasses?
Are you retired but still at work? Believe me, others already know.
Do you manage and work with people effectively but don't carry the title ‘leader’? You are. You don’t need a reporting structure to lead.
What changes for you now that you realize your trip has already begun? Do you have new insight? New resources? New confidence?
Enjoy the ride - you are already on it!
Alex
