The Next Chapter: Navigating Change and Embracing Growth
I believe every goal or opportunity you desire will call for you to become more than you were. The question is, will you heed the call?
Every first week of the month, I send you a letter focused on helping you become the best you. You can subscribe here so you do not miss any letters:
Happy New Year, People.
I know, it’s been a while since I sent out one of these newsletters – about 18 months, to be precise. So much has happened since then – even down to the government changes, inflation, tech layoffs, and the ever-dropping Naira value. How have you been through it all? Still in the country or japa-ed1? What have you been up to? Drop me a line in the comments section; I'd love to catch up 😉
Now, let me fill you in on the whirlwind that's been my life since July 2022.
First, in case you were wondering why the radio silence – even with the podcast, here's the lowdown: I took on a new role at my former company as the Organisational Change & Transformation Manager.
Picture this: new role, new office – I was pioneering the change and transformation office, new organisational level (I was joining – and coordinating on behalf of the founding partners – the senior leadership team of the organisation), and a boatload of responsibilities— leading transformation interventions across the structural, operational, leadership, culture, and people aspects of the organisation. Even more, I was out of the country managing some of our expansion projects for the better part of last year. And did I mention the self-doubt and impostor syndrome that came along for the ride amid all these changes? Hehe.
I remember writing about The Pain of Living Your Dreams in 2021 – which captured my transition from HR into Strategy and Operations. Lol, the years 2022 and 2023 were probably laughing at me then in foresight. Because the shege2 I saw in the last 18 months. Phew ☹
But interestingly, the role change was one that I wanted, as it would position me as a Leadership & Organisational Development Consultant. So, it was significant for me. It just didn't come without its struggles. Again, I am reminded of Ray Dalio’s quote: "It is a fundamental law of nature that in order to gain strength, one has to push one's limits, which is painful."
I believe every goal or opportunity you desire will call for you to become more than you were. The question is, will you heed the call?
A call to push your boundaries, test your limits, and, yes, experience a fair share of discomfort along the way. It won't be easy; you'll be stressed and stretched. But you'll always be better for it. Because at the end of the day, it has never really been about the goal or opportunity – but about who you become on the other side through the journey.
It’s a new year, and your 2024 goals will call for you to become more than you were in 2023. Will you heed the call?
Today, I look back on the past 18 months, and I am thankful for the role change. Indeed, I have become more than I was before the change.
On self-doubt and impostor syndrome…
Having had my fair share, I believe the key is to simply do the work.
When the doubts come,
Remind yourself of your past results. Keeping a journal of your accomplishments – past and present – will be helpful.
Be vulnerable and check with friends to help reaffirm your accomplishments and strengths. I was fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, and friends I could rely on, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
You may also enroll for trainings and certifications. I completed a change management certification and Prince2 project management training during the period.
But ultimately, get out of your head and do the work – in spite of the self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Let your curiosity lead you.
Action quiets doubt, silences fear, and brings clarity.
So, show up daily. Do your best – that is all we can ask of you, and you can ask of yourself, anyway. And should events not go as planned, find solace in the knowledge that you did your best.
Bidding farewell to a 9-year relationship…
Fast forward to December 2023 – I bid farewell to a 9-year relationship with my former company. No new job lined up – just a gut feeling that it was time for a change. I felt like I was in transition – closing one chapter of my life and gearing up for the next. Interestingly, I was also leaving when the ovation was loudest. Turning 30 last year was definitely a trigger, prompting me to explore what I want to do more fully – Leadership & Organisational Development Consulting/Coaching, Writing, Podcasting/Talk shows, etc.
So, with a pinch of savings, I took a deep breath, handed in my resignation, and embraced the unknown. But, hey, resigning during wild inflation and a soaring dollar? Talk about timing! Guess I’ll be updating you on my journey in the coming letters, lol. So, if you happen to spot me around this period, feel free to slip a few naira or dollars my way. I'm only half-kidding 😉
Taking bold decisions…
One approach that has consistently guided me in taking such decisions is asking myself a simple question – what is the worst that can happen?
It's almost like what Tim Ferris refers to as a fear-setting exercise. Let me know if you’d like me to delve deeper into this concept in subsequent writings. Essentially, I envision the worst-case scenario and evaluate if I'm willing to accept it. In this case, the worst that can happen is my leadership & organisational development consulting/coaching exploration not working out after a few months, and I run out of savings. If that were to occur, I might need to reconsider returning to an HR/Operations job as a worst case, possibly at a lower salary. By acknowledging this worst-case scenario and being prepared to face it, I feel empowered to take bold decisions.
Hopefully, this helps you, as you consider some of the bold decisions you need to take in 2024.
What’s Next?
Since taking the leap, I've been soaking up the freedom and basking in the peace that comes with following one’s heart. In December, I became a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach – you’ll see more writings on this in my next letters.
I've also indulged in much-needed rest and recreation, travelling with friends to Cape Verde, Senegal, and The Gambia for the year-end holidays. And when I'm not gallivanting across the globe, you'll likely find me curled up on the couch, binge-watching TV shows, diving into a good book, or simply sketching out what the next chapter of my life will look like.
Of course, I am back to writing! Keeping up with it is the plan – Lord help me!
So, here's to new beginnings, shared adventures, and endless possibilities in 2024. Stay with me, share with your friends and colleagues, and let’s go on the ride together.
What about you? How have you been navigating the ups and downs of the past year and a half? Share your stories, triumphs, and struggles – I'd love to hear from you.
Until next month, Happy 2024!
O’Seye
A Nigerian slang, roughly translated to mean run out of Nigeria to seek better opportunity overseas.
A Nigerian term used to describe extreme and unpleasant situations or circumstances.