Wheels of Life (Bonus)
Sitting at my computer, wondering what I could write about today. I'd been reading through several articles, including the book "The New Rules of Work," and there I was: blank screen, blank mind. Starting to write is usually the hard part for me, but once I get going, everything flows. Today wasn't like that. I decided to put on some background music to clear my head.
Wheels of Life, by Gino Vannelli, started playing through my speaker, and it got me thinking back on my life — and especially my career. Not because the song is about that (it's actually a love song), but simply because of the title. Still, the chorus goes: "Wheels of life are turning much faster, the restless hands of time pass by..."
And it made me think about how fast life changes, how "easily," and so often without us even noticing. Like a wheel: sometimes we're down, sometimes we're up, and sometimes we don't even know where we're standing.
If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering what any of this has to do with Career Talks or anything professional. Today I want to invite you to reflect — not on where you want to end up, not on what you need to improve or optimize, not on where you need to apply. Just for today, take a moment and ask yourself:
Where did you start? Do you remember your first job? What did it take to land it? How did you feel when you signed that offer? And what did you feel when you walked out of there for the last time?
What became of that second job? The one with the leader who taught you more than anyone ever had, where you picked up new skills, learned how to speak in public, or hit your first sales target.
Think about all those nights and days you spent stressed before talking to your boss about a raise or a promotion. Did you get it? How did you make it happen?
Where are you today? Maybe you're not exactly where you thought you'd be, but — have you learned along the way? If the answer is YES, then you're in the right place.
Today I just want you to reflect and feel proud of what you've done — the good, the bad, and the in-between. It's all learning and growth. And yes, I'm romanticizing the hard parts a little, but only for today, because I want you to read this and feel some energy for tomorrow — whether that's for your job search, for going after that promotion, for hitting your sales targets, or simply for the energy to keep looking for the place you're meant to be.
You're not the only one going through this. There are so many of us in the same shoes. Personally, I'm about to move to another state where I don't know a single person, my professional goals are shifting, and I feel fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. But for today, just today, I wanted to sit down and look at what I've accomplished — at how the wheel of life has carried me to where I am now, one step closer to where I want to be.
And you, where are you standing today? And more importantly, where were you standing 10, 15, 20 years ago? Do you see the growth? Do you see the path you've walked? Look at it, admire it, and take a moment to feel proud of yourself. Just for TODAY.
Tomorrow we go right back to giving everything we've got to keep chasing our dreams.
Daniela Diaz
DD CareerCoaching — Leading with Purpose: A Career Workshop
