Week 1 as a Consultant:
I’ve been enjoying many meaningful conversations with friends, prospective clients, and hugely helpful individuals throughout my network. When I spoke of my new career choice, I realised I was caveating the end of my conversations with - “there will always be permanent roles if it doesn’t work out.”
Well, that’s true, there will be.
But when you give attention to that as a part of your story, you are feeding that mindset, rather than the one which will keep pushing you forward.
I thought to myself, what if I adopted the mindset of Ceasar or Cortes? Two historical giants - two strategic masterminds!
Legend had it that when Julius Caesar arrived upon the shores of Britain, and in particular faced the fearsome Celts, who appeared to outnumber his army, it left his men fearful of defeat. What if he took that choice away from them?
He burnt their escape route.
He burnt their ships.
With no exit, his soldiers had no choice but to be committed to winning. And to face the challenges ahead with unwavering determination. It also sent a powerful message to his enemy. We are confident in our attack.
I love this metaphor.
Remove the idea that you have a safety net. Prove to your mind that you believe in this new direction. Push on and move forward.
You’ll find creative solutions to new challenges heading your way.