I am the master of my fate…
Happy Christmas 2012! As I write my first Christmas message to you, all I can think about is just what's happened this year. Wow, what a year it's been. Never in a million years could I have envisaged so much change, growth and lessons learned.
This year I've quit my six figure job in IT, started a new business, built my own website, gathered a following of over 4,000 awesome people, created a networking group, sold my own IT company (well that's one way to put it) and invested in me – through books, online and offline courses – which has made a change from the norm!
It's kind of sad when I read that line – “has made a change from the norm” but it's true. Unfortunately, like so many mums out there, I got used to putting myself last. This year though I learned that I was actually worth something. And once I began to value myself I discovered that I was totally unfulfilled with what I was doing. The creativity I'd suppressed for so long was longing to surface. It was time to be true to myself. You see integrity is one of my core values and what I hadn't realised was that I was being totally dishonest to myself. I didn't feel great about that once I found out, but as an action taker, what did I do? I took action! I resigned from my job at the end of June as it was sucking my soul dry. Urgh!
I then set about tackling fears and expanding comfort zones. I went to work on video. It was a logical move for me as I recognised how important it was for business. It wasn't easy as I used to hyperventilate at the very thought of video. However, I challenged myself to produce a video blog every week just to overcome it. And guess what? I now love video! I then went further and challenged myself to present in front of an audience. This was the ultimate challenge. It was my greatest fear. Anyway, in September I presented to a friendly group of about 50. I was on a high, and on a roll. Moving outside of my comfort zone had become a habit.
Anyway, like I said at the start of this post, it's been an incredible year. Some may say I've been reckless, foolish and lost so much. To me though, all I've done is a bit of pruning. I've cut back the dead wood that was holding me back to make way for the new. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared about this – part of me is petrified especially as I know I still have more to do! But I'm courageous so I'm going for it. What's helping is my new found understanding of faith. I'm not talking about faith in a religious sense, but more so in a spiritual sense. You see, I learnt to believe in me, and in the ‘journey.' For as Napoleon Hill said, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
I'd love to know how you've got on this year. Has it been a hard year for you or an easy one? Has it been a year of change and growth or one of stability and prosperity? Please share your experiences and feedback in the comments below as I’d love to hear. Finally, thank you, as always for reading and contributing here, and for being part of my journey. I feel so fortunate to have met you, and enjoy every engagement.
Finally, MERRY CHRISTMAS and a fortuitous New Year to you! May this day be filled with joy. Enjoy the time spent with your family for they are by far the greatest gift.
With love and gratitude – as always,
Like you Jane I've taken myself out of my comfort zone this year and I'm loving it! More people should try it rather than put up with unfulfilling jobs. I'm looking forward to working with you this year to get the rest of my social media in place – so here's to a fantastic new Year for us all. xx
Can’t wait Jill. You’re certainly one never to give up & always to expand comfort zones! 🙂