Every Path has Endings
As I contemplated this post, I had several ideas run through my head. This morning as I woke up, I was reminded of one of the most influential books I have ever read. No this is not the Bible; however, that is the top of my list. This book was suggested to me by a member of a small group I was a part of when I was in the mortgage industry and was searching for my next steps in life. I was at a crossroads and knew that an ending was coming; however, I did not know what that ending was and what the new beginning was going to entail. I was scared, confused, full of fear, lacked boldness and courage. To put it plainly, I was lost. I had no passion or zeal for life and was just barely making it. I was failing in the mortgage industry and in fact was doing a job that I was not created to do. For those in the industry I tip my hat to you as it is definitely a difficult job and necessary position; however, it just wasn’t for me.
This friend acquaintance shared with me a book that ultimately put me on the trajectory path to launch Path of One. This book is about business; however, the impact of the book can be felt not just in business, but in your personal life as well. Dr. Henry Cloud, a psychologist and leadership guru wrote a book many people will recognize Boundaries; however, this is not the book I am discussing. His book Necessary Endings; however, is this book. The premise is that sometimes in business you have to make necessary endings when dealing with projects that are wasting money and the payoff is not coming to fruition. Then there are times that toxic people just need to be let go and get them out of the organization. He calls these people pure evil and you just need to get the lawyers involved and move on. There are two other categories of people that Dr. Cloud talks about in the book and those are wise people that take direction and correction with ease and make the necessary adjustments. The third group is the foolish. Now this is not saying that they are fools running fools’ errands; however, more on that they are not growing in their position or they are not getting the job done. These people if given the opportunity to correct themselves and put into a performance improvement time frame may very well become wise employees; however, with expectations laid out they will know the outcome if they don’t perform.
Foolish may even contribute to where I was at in life. I was not performing well at all at the mortgage company I was at. I was making my calls, yet I was not making progress. I had these passions of helping people and I thought why not mortgage as I had already tried financial services and life insurance. These jobs caused me more stress than I could have imagined, and I needed desperate direction. As I said, this book is more about leadership than personal; however, I saw myself in that book and knew what I needed to do. I put in my resignation and began to take the time to figure out what was next. On a side note, I would not advise someone to just resign their position without a failsafe, i.e. another job. This is what I did and took a few weeks to regain some clarity in life and added other stressors; however, I swallowed my pride and went back to work in the hospitality industry.
Now, you may be saying how did your necessary ending impact you today? That’s a great question. See I went to work at restaurant where I live and quickly became a bartender and trainer within the organization; yet I still wasn’t feeling that I was headed anywhere and though I am good at what I do, I was not passionate about it. One night after work around three in the morning, I opened up my laptop and started Googling grad school programs. To this day I do not remember what I Googled; however, I found a Colorado State University – Global and was started the process of earning my Dual Master of Sciences in Management and Organizational Leadership with an International Business Specialization. My heart’s desire is to help as many people achieve their goals and dreams and make their path a path of brilliant colors.
I know many people right now are looking for change and very well coming up to a necessary ending in life. This can come in many forms. An ending in where you live and moving to a new city, state, or country. Ending a dead-end job and pursuing your dreams and starting a business or going back to school. Taking a necessary ending in a relationship that could be toxic or just has run the course. Whatever your ending is, make the decision to move and allow the ending to launch a new beginning.
If it is a project at work that needs a necessary ending begin the process of change management and being to communicate the change to key associates. During necessary endings and change, always make sure you communicate the why the ending is needed and what the plan is going forward. Allow your staff to process the change and be available to answer any and all questions needed so they are onboard and will help guide the team through the change. Necessary endings are never easy in business nor personal; however, they are needed and can ultimately catapult you to your passion and purpose.
Be Bold! Be Courageous! Be Fearless!
Joel
If you would like to read these books mentioned in the blog feel free to click on the links in the blog or click here:
Every Path Has A Beginning
Joel Mark // Photo: B&K Photography
This life is beautiful if we just allow ourselves to see it. Life has become inundated with to do lists, work, events, schedules, lists on how to be successful, 24/7 news, hate and anger, social media, judgement, pain & hurt, and so much more. All these things add up and lead to depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness, fear, no peace, no love, and many other life altering issues. Yet we sit here and think truly this life is meant for more. Where is the peace? Where is the love? Where is the hope? Where is the courage? Where is the boldness? Where is the fearlessness?
Life is complicated and moves quickly. We only have a short time on this path, and we must make the most of it. There is no get rich quick solution. There is no three steps and you become successful. There is no quick and easy process. We learn as we grow and not everyone’s path is the same. We all have to do our own work to grow and it’s up to us and no one else.
If you truly take the time, pause, and look around, you will see the beautiful mosaic of life. We all contribute to the different colors around us. If only we would quit looking at our differences and see the beauty within then the hope, peace, and love will come back.
We all come from different paths in life and have different stories to tell. Some have been abused, forgotten, hurt, belittled, bullied, shamed, and much more. Others have lived in prosperity, love, support, and likeability. These two paths are unique; however, both paths can learn from each other. You see we all have our own paths, whether you are a janitor, a CEO, a billionaire, a student, a bartender, a server, an artist, an entertainer, a mechanic, a construction worker, a politician, a lawyer, or whatever you do it is your own path. However, what you do does not define who you are. You are much more than that job that pays the bills. You do have worth and you are able to contribute. Throughout life our paths intermingle and these solo paths of one become a bigger path of one for a season or a lifetime.
The Path of One is a unique way to share the knowledge and experience of my own personal path. Sharing this information may help some and then again it may not. Regardless of the small bit of knowledge this blog has in the vast array of knowledge out there; I hope that people will find hope, love, peace, tools to lead their lives and lead others. The focus of The Path of One is to share insight into life and leadership. We all lead our own individual lives and others lead people and organizations. Whatever has brought you to The Path of One; I truly hope that this journey down your path is impacted by the words that are written. No matter where you are in your path, just remember that the past was a test that brought a lesson. Learn from that lesson and pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and move on. As the present and future is upon you and before you, not behind you.
Welcome to The Path of One and let us enjoy the intertwining of our paths for a while.
– Joel Mark
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