NEXT with Elizabeth Ribons Podcast

Embracing The 'Workaround'

#adaptability #createchange #elizabethribons #gamechanger #howtodesignyourcareer #howtolifedesign #innovation #lifejourneytips #lifetools #managechange #multistagelife #nextcareerlife #nextchapter #workaround Apr 07, 2022
Be The Game Changer
Blogpost by Elizabeth Ribons

Are you a fan of the 'workaround'? That unseen option that is frankly, more appealing and makes more sense than the ones that are offered?

I have been for as long as I can remember.  In fact, I have incorporated it throughout my life as an entrepreneur, leveraging design to come up with solutions.  Indeed, finding the 'workaround' or unexplored options requires more effort and a willingness to challenge the status quo, but  I have found it makes more sense and creates an even better solution.  If nothing else, it is worth exploring.

And when I have done this and created some sort of change, I have experienced pushback and roadblocks in the past. It is understandable. Everyone wants certainty -don't mess with what works (but is it really working?) -or -they are so loyal to the set options they do not desire to explore any other way. 

And that is when an opportunity to innovate - even in the smallest way - is lost.  We all know that a business cannot survive unless it continues to innovate. Change is necessary and certain - and we are seeing it now with so many leaving the workforce.

The game is clearly changing as more reconsider how they work, live, and are definitely exploring options for their 'workaround'.  Each is looking to become Game-Changers in their own lives.

But in order to be the 'Game-Changer', we will need to apply innovative thinking. To introduce ideas, a different approach, or improve what is.

Years ago when I was striving for "the  career, then business" I overlooked this step.   This was decades ago when we worked and lived... each in a separate universe.

It became clear that I would have to align myself with the linear approach that everyone was working in at the time.

I was glad to have achieved what I did but I certainly didn't accept the idea of having to choose between growing and scaling my business or growing and scaling my personal life. But that is what many were doing and have for as long as women have been in the workforce.  And the choice became clear.

I had to employ the 'workaround' and create criteria, make choices and set a life view I had not adopted until I arrived at this unforeseen moment of "either-or". (No one was teaching this in colleges) .

I had then realized I was not alone in this conundrum - especially as a woman- making choices.  It didn't have to be all or nothing and I was not interested in accepting that as an option.

This is what I did:

I got clear on my current life plan(3-5 years in front of me)  and my criteria. 

I realized that while I could have it all -if I wanted, it would not be all at once

I reset and redefined what success was for me. What really matters now and going forward?  What's the whole picture look like? 

I began to find the workaround that worked - holistically - combining my life and my work in ways that made sense.  I like to work.  I am an entrepreneur, and I am more than one note. I had to change my perspective - create something else.

I let go of the business I had worked so hard for.  Yes, there was pushback and "WHY?!?'s" It was not a popular thing to do. But I knew I would develop something else down line...And I did.

I became the game-changer and have used these tools, again and again, to leverage design and intentionally set into motion a holistic approach to life and work. 

I share these tools with women just starting out and those restarting in life.  

And, what about your career?  How can you be the game-changer there?

The key is to get very clear on what you envision for your life - What does success mean now and in 3-5 years?  Then be willing to let go of some things to gain in other areas. (That is the design component) There are more options available if you are willing to find the workaround.

We are living longer, multi-staged lives.  We are not living linear lives and working linear careers - women especially- the workforce has changed.  THIS is what works and now more than ever...We can set the criteria, seek and create our workaround and Be The Game Changer.

( The ability to innovate and adapt?  These skills are highly valued in an employee, leader and necessary as a business owner) 

Want More?

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