For the first time in a long while, I did not set out to start 2024 with whimsical concepts of how to “better” myself, my career or my life. Instead, I chose to reflect. Reflect on what drives me (and you) to make the choice to change – whether it’s because that change is forced upon you; or you are proactively seeking something new and different.
LinkedIn is flooded with various articles and blogs about new careers, and “new exciting career opportunities”. However, all change begins with choice. We can quite easily stay in a job that is comfortable. A job that pays us well enough and provides us with enough fulfilment and a sense of reward. A job that even allows us to work with people we now call our friends.
We also have the choice to look beyond what we have grown accustomed to. Often there is an impetus to do this on the 1st of January… It might in fact be one of our “resolutions”. It might feature prominently on our “vision board” for 2024. Or it might just be the right time, after rest and relaxation, to take a leap of faith.
This choice is not limited to our careers. It is there for all facets of our lives from the big stuff like who we partner with, or the country we choose to live in; to the smaller stuff like the type of clothes we like to buy and how we take our coffee. Our values – and our beliefs – and our personal “signature tastes” – drive these big and small choices we make in our daily lives. The same value system ultimately anchors us in the choices we make about which job to take (if offered multiple).
As you sit and reflect upon where you are at right now, and where you feel you might aspire to be, ask only one question. Am I living and working in alignment with my value system and what I believe will help me achieve and deliver the very best I am capable of?
It is well documented that some of the best companies to work for are those who “live their values”. They lead with transparency and confidence; and deliver on promises made. They set realistic business goals and empower their people to achieve and succeed – and give credit where credit is due.
We are blessed to have flagship law firms in our Perth market, offering our home grown talent the opportunity to work locally with the benefits of “international firm” offerings such as ongoing training, satellite global teams and a professional legal network second to none.
Movement between law firms is par for the course, especially where niche areas of expertise can be broadened across a plethora of client industries. There is a hidden respect for lawyers who invest their early years rotating through various practice areas before settling in an area of particular interest – or talent – knowing that it was a “choice” to do so. For when we have a choice, it means we have the power. Any decision made independently, based on that choice and the value system we hold within; is often one that leads to sustained success.
So, if you are contemplating your choices in 2024 – make sure you do your research to enable yourself to make an informed choice that isn’t just based on the black and white; but also on the “grey matter” – the important “values stuff”.
I look forward to talking all things values, and life choices with you as we kick off what will be a year of abundance, learning and most importantly – FUN!