I want to share a personal story that reflects the essence the recent articles about tenacity and achievement, and highlights the importance of revisiting our visions when life takes unexpected turns or new information is available. Higher-level goals in your hierarchy affect your life’s trajectory.
The Question: “How Do I Know When It’s Time to Give Up?”
In the past month, three new clients have asked me a similar question with the same quiet tone: “How do I know when it’s time to give up on my business?” It’s a query that often arises when we are at a crossroads, questioning our path and weighing our options.
When I Walked Away from a Law Degree
As someone who has navigated various career transitions and redefined my visions over the years, I can empathize with the complexity and effort of such decisions. In my case, it involved walking away from my dream of becoming a lawyer with an engineering background.
I had completed two out of three years at The University of Cincinnati School of Law, and my new employer had even agreed to sponsor my final year of night classes as part of my continuing education. Everything seemed to be falling into place. However, a sudden change of heart and circumstance led me to reevaluate my path.
Three Criteria for Altering My Vision
Here’s what I considered when I decided to shift gears and embrace a different vision:
- Reality
My initial vision of becoming a lawyer changed after experiencing the daily grind as a legal intern for 2 years. The monotony of endless research and paperwork didn’t align with my passion. - Natural Transition Point
I had completed two years of law school, making it a natural transition point. Sometimes, life presents opportunities that prompt us to reconsider our goals, and for me, that opportunity was starting my engineering career. - Backup Plan
I had a well-thought-out plan to complete my law degree even if my vision had changed. Having an alternative path in mind ensured I wouldn’t feel trapped by my previous choices.
The Takeaway: Adapting Your Vision
So, what can we learn from this experience? Your vision and goals are not set in stone. They should evolve as you do, adapting to your changing passions, circumstances, and aspirations. Sometimes, it’s not about giving up but redirecting your energy towards a more fulfilling path.
As you navigate your journeys, I encourage you to reflect on your current vision, ask the tough questions, and be open to redefining your goals if they no longer align with your true passions and values. The Franchise Owner’s Dashboard helps you develop each step of your way, and it’s free to download from the homepage.
Ultimately, it’s not about how far you’ve come on a particular path; it’s about making choices that lead to a life filled with purpose and
your success.
I wish you all a week filled with clarity, compassion, and meaningful progress.
Warm regards,
Luke
Bella Vista Executive Advisors
