Business Lessons for Life
Are you feeling stuck in your personal or professional life? Burnt out, unsure of your next steps, and craving more meaning? It’s a common and growing issue. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Institute of Stress, more than 80% of workers feel stressed on the job and 40% reported that their job was very or extremely stressful. But just like in business, being stuck doesn’t have to be a permanent state. Here are some lessons from business that you can apply to your own life to get unstuck.
PLAN FOR CHANGE
In business, change is not only expected, it’s planned for. Companies set aside time every year to assess their current situation. They analyze their competition, plan for the future, take a hard look at their industry landscape, the national and global economy, and ensure that their long-term goals are still relevant and desirable. So why don’t we do this in our own lives? Planning for change can help us avoid feeling stuck and give us a sense of direction.
CREATE A STRATEGIC LIFE MAP™
When you feel stuck, it can be helpful to take a step back and create what I call a Strategic Life Map™. It’s a tangible way to outline goals and set a plan in motion. It uses the tools and techniques many of us are familiar with from business experience to create a clear road map. Think about where you want to be in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Consider these questions: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see opportunities, and what are the potential roadblocks? What’s really important to you? Consider your personal and professional goals and how you can work towards achieving them.
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF BEING STUCK
Just like in business, there are signs that you may be feeling stuck in your personal or professional life. You may feel like you’re not making progress, you’re not growing, or you’re facing increased competition. You may be experiencing changes in your environment or economy that are impacting your life. Recognize these signs and take action to get yourself unstuck.
TAKE ACTION
When a company is stuck, they take action. They bring together their best minds, hire consultants, and do research. They gather an advisory board to help guide them. Similarly, when you feel stuck, take action. Seek advice from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Consider hiring a coach or therapist to help guide you. Invest in your personal and professional development.
CONCLUSION
Feeling stuck is a common feeling, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Just like in business, there are steps you can take to get yourself unstuck. Plan for change, create a Strategic Life Map™, recognize the signs of being stuck, and take action. Invest in yourself and your personal and professional development, and you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling life.
Traci Barrett is a business owner, entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. She is the best-selling author of What If There’s More? Finding Significance Beyond Success and the creator of Strategic Life Map. She serves as President & Founder of Navigate the Journey, a business consulting firm. Prior to NTJ, Traci spent over 20 years in the television and advertising industry. She was part of a small team that launched the national cable television network HGTV: Home & Garden Television in 1994. Traci is also a cohost of Overly Human, a podcast about what it means to be more human in the workplace.
