I have learned many things throughout my life and specifically professional career. I have worked as an employee, as a manager in 7 different sectors, I have been self-employed in projects for others, and as an entrepreneur and businesswoman... And if there is one thing that is very clear to me after all these years, it is that in my incessant search for a full and satisfactory life, the key is to have professional projects Challengers and motivating (with Motivus , related to the engine that makes something move). That takes on special relevance. Projects not only reflect our aspirations and skills, but they are also a roadmap that guides us towards the future we want. Here are four fundamental keys to living a professional (and personal, why not?) life with purpose and meaning based on my recent experience.
1. HAVING A LIFE PROJECT
A life project is like a beacon that illuminates our path. It defines our goals, passions, and what we want to achieve at different stages of our lives. In the professional context, this involves understanding what we want to achieve in our career, what kind of professional (and person) we want to be, and how our work goals align with our personal goals.
A well-defined life project acts as a compass, helping us to make decisions that are in line with our values and aspirations. This can involve finding roles that challenge us, acquiring new skills, or even a radical career change if that's what we need to feel fulfilled. In my case, to throw myself into a project that challenges me and requires me to learn new skills at Proportione, where I have to soak up everything related to generative AI, positioning (SEO), Omnichannel (combination of physical channel and e-commerce). These projects build my life project.
2. KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO BE AND WHERE YOU DON'T
Knowing our desired destination is as important as knowing where we don't want to be. This clarity is essential to avoid paths that divert us from our goals. Asking ourselves "Am I where I want to be?" helps us continually evaluate our career path and make adjustments as needed.
This question also invites us to reflect on our current work environment, the company's culture, opportunities for growth, and whether these circumstances align with our life project. Such reflection often leads to courageous decisions and necessary changes in our career. I am grateful for how brave I am when making decisions since I am not a person from my comfort zone, which comes more because of the boredom it generates in me. Changes are vital in my case: it's what really makes me feel alive. In general, I struggle with laziness, boredom or excess comfort. And when it happens to me: bad business.
In my case, when I ask myself where I want to be, what I answer affirmatively is that I want to continue contributing to strategic People & Tech consulting, in organizational and digital transformation and its impact on the people who should lead it and will be led. I want to be there, first because I'm good at that area (and without sounding presumptuous, please: you know what you're good at and what you don't), second, because I love it Accompany customers , their people, meet their needs, providing them with solutions just for them, turnkey, giving them a differential value and third, because that allows me to have dynamism in objectives and projects, continuous learning, and take the pulse of the market.
3. GIVING IMPORTANCE TO WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT
In a world full of distractions and obligations, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. A crucial question we need to ask ourselves is, "In 6 months, how much will I be worried about what I'm worried about now?" This long-term perspective helps us distinguish between what is urgent and what is truly important.
In the professional realm, this could mean prioritizing projects that align with our long-term values and goals, rather than pursuing short-term successes that don't bring us lasting satisfaction. It also involves learning to say no to tasks or commitments that divert us from our main goal.
And to say yes to that which reinforces our values (those that have a vocation of permanence). In my case, dedicate YES or YES, 20% of my time to teaching, teaching in educational, associative or managerial environments AND at least, 5% of my time to foundational environments associated with intellectual disability.
4. NOT LIVING BY INERTIA
To live by inertia is to go with the flow without a sense of direction. In the professional context, this can manifest as a lack of proactivity in our career, simply settling for what's next rather than actively seeking what we want.
Breaking with inertia requires introspection and a willingness to take proactive action. It means setting clear goals and pursuing them with determination. It also involves being open to new opportunities and being willing to step out of our comfort zone.
A few months ago, a good friend who works in the HR sector, (headhunting, to be precise) insisted on returning to the People & Culture area, because with my current profile, I would be very recognized for my profile as a startup entrepreneur and management of complexity in the face of changes in organizational structures and people. I replied somewhat emphatically: "I've already done that, I want to do other things" Today it is possible that being a senior, you do things that you didn't do before because you have a base of brutal experience and if you are restless, the ability to continue learning. I feel like I'm at my best and I want to take advantage of it for myself. I want to enjoy it from the vertigo of learning new things that show me that I AM CAPABLE and swell my check list.
In my case, the icing on the cake is learning a new language such as Portuguese, getting to know its market, training myself in e-commerce platforms to implement them in customers and that their sales grow and their people more. Who said fear?
Conclusion
Having a professional project is an integral part of a full and purposeful life. It provides us with direction, helps us prioritize what is truly important, and drives us to avoid complacency and inertia. By regularly reflecting on where we are, where we want to go, and what we truly value, we can ensure that our careers are not only successful, but also meaningful and enriching. Ultimately, it is the journey towards these goals, and not just the arrival, that shapes a fulfilling professional and personal life. Enjoy the ride! These are times to do it. I already am doing .