It’s that time of the year when a lot of important and not-so-important lists are published. For those who made it to the list, savour the moment. Enjoy the sunshine. Bask in it (just don’t be humbled please) show it off, you worked hard to earn your place on the list and deserve the applause. Post it on LinkedIn and plaster it on Instagram. Shout from the top of your rooftop and celebrate. It’s your time and your turn. Remember to stop for a minute or two and savour the moment.
But for every 40 under 40 or 30 under 30 who made this list in your respective industry, other than the 70 0f you who are feeling elated, there are maybe 700 who are experiencing other emotions. For those who did not make the list, my unsolicited advice is – please don’t waste time being listless. If it matters to you to be on a list then put your head down this year and work hard to get noticed and get noted. There is another list being prepared somewhere and you could find your way onto that one. Figure out where you are heading and if the list lines up with your charted direction then go for it. If not let it go.
The listicles are also a wonderful opportunity to connect with and celebrate the good fortune of a chosen few. Whether you are on the list or not, the lists are a lovely way to get engaged with people from a community or a fraternity that are doing something noteworthy. Reach out to them. Congratulations and good wishes are a great way to connect with new people and learn more about what they are creating.
There is a price to being on the list and there is a price to pay for not being on the list. Living in the limelight has its perks and pains. Flying under the radar has its benefits too. Maybe a good time to make a list of the things that matter to you and then decide if you need to make a play for the list or desist.
Every time a list pops up on your radar, or your name pops up on a list, it is a moment to gift yourself the opportunity to build self-awareness. How does being on the list make me feel? How does not being on the list make me feel? What is the significance of this to me? What do I want to do next year? Who do I want to be next year? Make a list of questions that help you see and know yourself better. Gift yourself the joy of self-discovery, it is one of the best investments you will make. Are you List-ening to yourself, there is so much to learn and so much to celebrate. Be you. Do you.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
Be the first to comment on "Feeling listless?"