Last month, I celebrated the fifth anniversary of the publication of my book, Career ReCharge: Five Strategies to Boost Resilience and Beat Burnout. My book journey was interesting, challenging, unpredictable, and fun! Here are six things I learned along the way.
1. Connection is key
Several years ago, I shared with a few of my coaching clients that I had a long-term goal of writing a book on my resiliency model. One of them was my first cheerleader, who would not let me put this goal behind me. At the end of every coaching session, she would say to me, “Beth, how is the book coming?” I would say how distracted I was by new clients and training opportunities and traveling. She would tell me that the book was a way to share my resilience vision with more people than just my coaching clients. Her prompting got me started and emphasized how important it is to cultivate strong connections.
2. Support moves you towards your goals
Those conversations with my client made me realize that I needed guidance, support, and accountability. I enrolled in two very different writing programs but each of them was motivating, in part because I was with other people who were equally committed to writing a book, and the book began to take shape. There is power in being around supportive people.
3. Get help and feedback
I hired a book project manager and Career ReCharge benefited from the way she meticulously looked at every detail, asked questions, and kept me moving in the right direction. As the book neared completion, I asked two colleagues to be peer readers and their comments and encouragement were invaluable. Don’t try to do everything yourself—ask for help!
4. Be prepared to move out of your comfort zone
After the book was published, opportunities I did not expect came my way. I was quoted in numerous articles and asked to speak at conferences around the globe. At each speaking event, I would feel the stress bubbling up, but then I would feel amazing gratification and energy from the experience. Even positive experiences, such as a new position or a promotion, will move you out of your comfort zone, but that’s okay!
5. When you accomplish a meaningful goal, celebrate!
You don’t have to celebrate every positive email or comment, but if you accomplish an important objective, take time to acknowledge what you accomplished. If you’re on a team, you can make sure you acknowledge the progress occasionally by sending an email or giving verbal praise.
6. Practice gratitude
A suggestion I frequently make to my clients is to practice gratitude. I am grateful for the leadership coaching clients who allowed me to share their resilience journeys in my book and my amazing family, friends, and colleagues who supported me on my book journey. Gratitude can enhance your well-being.
Whatever your goal, I hope my lessons learned will help you achieve it.
Beth Benatti Kennedy is an executive coach and PathWise advisor. You can purchase her book here.
