Most people are playing a short game.
Racing to hit the most senior role in the least amount of time - and not necessarily because they’re chasing higher status.
Often it’s because they’re usually chasing the belief that they will feel fulfilled when they reach that top position.
These leaders often feel frustrated and even resentful that they’re not already there, because they know they’re capable.
I get it, because I’ve felt it too…but… your career should be what my coach Rich Litvin describes as an “infinite game,” while most people treat it like finite chunks. As though the aim is to hit a certain level, or achieve a certain thing, by x date. This is almost always followed by a new goal and new kind of pressure.
But why are we rushing to make these goals happen? Your career is a game you keep playing for most of your life, it isn’t a 90 minute match to win. What would happen if we made a commitment to be in it for the long haul and grow over time?
I think that instead of pressuring yourself with time-frames and focussing your thoughts on achieving x, y or z now - you should be happy to simply make a clear decision as to what you want and be content building toward it every day.
This is less sexy than a blog post or article titled ‘get your dream leadership gig with my easy 3 step process…success guaranteed in 48 hours…’. But it will mean a far more enjoyable journey and better work/life balance for you. You’ll be able to invest in the long game by taking small daily action towards your big vision, feeling fulfilled every step of the way.
I’d be curious to hear how this perspective feels to you. What’s the most fun, tiny step you can take today?
P.S. We're often creating pressure to reach short term outcomes that may not be in our best interests. Time to pause, look at the long game and ENJOY building a legacy.
P.P.S. Did you know that most organisations will fund Executive Coaching for senior leaders? If you'd like to explore working together this way I'm happy to be introduced to your HR team: kat@katthecoach.co.uk