Embracing Life's Twists and Turns: A Journey of Resilience and Intentionality ~via Gretchen Hoffman
I met Gretchen in 2014 when she was at NetBase thanks to connector extraordinaire Carter Hostelley. The relationship started there with an intro to Brand Innovators, and the RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP has continued in many forms. Here Gretchen shares about a topic that is near and dear to my heart. /Ted
Life is a mix of both intentional design and chance, where our lives and the approaches we take meet unexpected curveballs. Reflecting on this blend of planning and spontaneity, it is important to be flexible, patient and yet believe the best is yet to come.
This is how I am approaching my latest curveballs of the past two weeks. Ball 1: Various Marketing people were reduced at my last job including myself. Ball 2: My kid struggled to go back to school at all after having the flu. Ball 3: A big decision I had made and the offer that followed it for my real estate investments fell through. You may think, three strikes and I am out.
This is when I most need to take the perspective – and believe – that my next curveball will be a homer. So I mustered up some grit and decided to write this blog about resilience, determination, and turning setbacks into stepping stones towards a brighter future.
If you can help me with any stepping stones along my job search it is welcome.
Navigating the Unexpected
Losing my job after getting top performer awards and being “all in” has been a significant life disruption, without warning and shaking my sense of security. However, it's in these moments of uncertainty that I am seeking true strength and some job leads from my cohorts who believe in me. Embracing the unexpected, much like facing a curveball in baseball, requires quick thinking, adaptability, and a positive outlook.
Losing my job is an opportunity to take time to reach out to my networks – so here I am – and tackle a job search while asking my friends and acquaintances who may have a need for a results-driven demand generation growth marketer, to take time and throw me the ball. I just may make it a home run!
The Power of Intentionality
I am embracing the unexpected but with intention. Intentionality is about making deliberate choices aligned with our goals and values. It involves setting clear objectives, planning meticulously, and staying focused despite distractions. When faced with a job loss, intentionality plays a crucial role in navigating the transition period.
Take, for example, the process of updating my resume. This task wasn't just about listing past experiences but also about reflecting on accomplishments, identifying strengths, and setting the stage for future growth. I reminded myself through the process that I am “a valuable asset” and am ready to take on a new challenge. Or another example if writing this blog. I wanted to have another way of connecting with you to accelerate my job search and intentionally asking if you have a stepping stone for me to reach out -- thank you for letting me be so bold. I have two teens to feed after all.
Gratitude: Finding Silver Linings
Gratitude is a powerful tool in navigating life's challenges. Reflecting on my past experiences with appreciation helps in maintaining a positive outlook. I am truly appreciative for the experiences I have had, the people I have met and the companies where I have gained experience and learnings to direct my next stepping stone toward my next opportunity.
Take the experience at Verato where I drove pipeline for a healthcare identity data management solution, for instance. Reflecting on this time with gratitude highlights the importance of finding silver linings. It acknowledges the growth, skills acquired, and the relationships built during that period. This positive reflection fuels the motivation to move forward and embrace new opportunities with an optimistic mindset.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
Life's twists and turns are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our journey. By blending proactive planning with an adventurous spirit, we navigate challenges with resilience and intentionality. Each setback can become a stepping stone forward, each curveball a chance to showcase our adaptability and strength.
As I embrace the journey ahead, I am thinking about the power of intentionality, the importance of balancing priorities, and the strength found in gratitude. These elements combined, along with the help of others, transform life's challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a future filled with growth, success, and fulfillment (from a new position).
If you have a stepping stone to offer me, I thank you. As a rock solid demand generation expert, I typically offer leads to others but today I am asking if you have any job leads for a proven demand generation marketing leader, you have my appreciation for your stepping stone. And if you do not, I still appreciate your taking time out to listen (or read) my blog.
Networking and connecting are always appreciated even just to say "hello".
Gretchen
gretchhof@gmail.com
Originally posted at Gretchen Hoffman’s LinkedIn
