Action talks

I recently had coffee with a CEO who was reaching [early] retirement. Too young to stop working, but financially comfortable not to work, he was stuck. His family was telling him to relax and play golf, his colleagues were wishing him well, but he had no intention of stopping. He felt he was in his prime. Retirement had been mandatory, and they’d even extended it for him only, but no wiggle room, and was packing up as we spoke.

A company man, he’d never had to look for a job, and now faced with the prospect of doing so, no clue how to do it. As we spoke, his even-keeled facade started to fade a bit-which was good. For years he’d helped others, within and outside the company, and not asked for anything back-hard to do at the top. Now that he was looking for new opportunities, he was getting steamed that so few were helping him back.

I asked if he’d approached them directly, and he said ‘No, I really never learned to ask help for myself. I see others do it–and successfully–but I never learned that vocabulary. I’d always be the first to help if asked, but I don’t know how to ask for myself. It would look like weakness, I guess.’

The ‘lonely at the top’ maxim applies fully here, but he could have started rebranding himself 2 years ago when he knew his time was up. He chose to do what many senior executives do; work harder and hope it–whatever “it” is–will go away or hit the lottery.

Hard work is a prerequisite for success, but an insufficient component.

Do not let yourself end up like my coffee companion, and this is not limited to retirement; that is a by-product.

Start thinking about the next opportunity now-today-not tomorrow. Get hold of people you have not been in touch with for a long time and reacquaint yourself with them. Contact those that have helped you over the years to thank them–better late than never. A genuine gesture of thanks knows no time limit..

Move slightly out of your comfort zone and think-to yourself only- of doing something that you would truly enjoy that is different than what you’re doing now–chew it over and see how it feels.

I’m not talking about giving up your career to go bungee-jumping. Where do you envision yourself when you daydream? Match where your skills are and your heart lies, and get moving. Yes you can.

We are all judged by our action, not our thoughts. The sooner you take action, the better you’ll feel and the better you’ll be viewed. And yes, it works.