Following The Nudges

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    Are You Part of The 12%?

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    Have you ever found yourself among the 12% who feel truly satisfied with their current job? Or perhaps you can relate to the feeling of being stuck in a soul-crushing job, which affects over 85% of people over 45?

    These statistics are startling, but they shed light on a common issue that many individuals face: dissatisfaction with their work.

    According to a Robert Half survey, only 12% of employees feel very satisfied with their current job, while 47% express a moderate level of satisfaction. Furthermore, Gallup reports that 60% of people feel emotionally detached at work, with 22% feeling sad and 18% feeling angry.

    It’s essential to ask yourself: How can I truly live a life that feels fully alive when I’m not satisfied with work?

    This question struck me profoundly when I first encountered the phrase “A case of the Sunday night blues.” Suddenly, it all made sense—I was experiencing exactly that! Each week, I would eagerly await Friday, enjoy my Saturdays, use Sundays to catch up, and then, as evening fell, the dreaded Sunday night blues would hit me. I had to wake up in a few hours and go to work! But why was this happening? I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, right? Isn’t this just how life is supposed to be?

    In that moment, I realized that something had to change. I understood that I was the only person who could make it happen. But where to start? The options seemed overwhelming at first.

    Fast forward 20 years, and after taking control of my life, I have never looked back. Today, I live a life where work feels like a privilege, not an obligation. I focus on my strengths and engage in activities I love. I have discovered a sense of fulfillment and freedom by serving others in a way that aligns with my purpose.

    Imagine waking up tomorrow and experiencing work as a place where you thrive rather than merely survive. Picture yourself creating something you are genuinely passionate about. Even if you are already satisfied and thriving, chances are you know someone who isn’t, and it’s disheartening to witness.

    The good news is that change is possible. As author and entrepreneur Jim Rohn once said, “If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree!” Regardless of how challenging it may seem, you possess the power to transform your circumstances.

    This is where I come in. When I found myself in your shoes, I sought the guidance of mentors and coaches who helped me navigate my choices, identify my strengths, and develop a growth mindset. There were times when I had to pivot, and it made all the difference in the world. There were also occasions when I had to reinvent myself entirely.

    You might feel like nobody truly understands where you are right now, and to an extent, that’s correct. However, I have the resources and expertise to guide and empower you to live a life of fulfillment and freedom. With over 20 years of coaching experience, I have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all walks of life, witnessing their incredible transformations.

    But wait, there’s more good news for you! I have recently joined a dynamic community of exceptional coaches known as the Career Winners Circle.

    Within this circle, we have specialists in various areas, including leadership, career development, and business growth. The Career Winners Circle provides clients like you with the infrastructure and resources to reignite your passion for Mondays!

    If you’re ready to join the 12% and embark on a journey of self-discovery, professional growth, and personal fulfillment, I invite you to reach out.

    Together, we can explore the possibilities!

    Here is my link to a 30-minute, no-cost and no-obligation Discovery Call:

    https://calendly.com/autumn-shields-ceo/30min

    In Your Corner,

    Autumn Shields

  • Following The Nudges

    Harmful Side Effects of Self-Development

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    I recently saw a video of a woman talking about how bad self-development can be and it should be avoided at all costs. She went on about other things that seemed extreme, so I immediately dismissed it.  This video bothered me for days. I just couldn’t shake the part about self-development and wondered why it triggered me.  

    Perhaps it’s because I have been a student of self development for as long as I can remember. The books, the courses, the workshops, oh my! I don’t remember a day I haven’t made self-development a part of my daily routine. I love soaking up ideas and tools that can help me become the best version of me. I have learned to stretch and challenge myself. I’ve even written and published a self-development book! How can self-development be a negative thing?  

    Self-development has become a popular trend in recent years, with many individuals seeking to improve themselves and achieve their goals through various techniques. So I asked the question, “How can self-development be harmful?” Here is what I found.

    While self-development can undoubtedly have its benefits, such as increased self-awareness, confidence, and motivation, there is a potential downside that is often overlooked: a focus on self can lead to a disconnection from others. Which can lead to unhappiness. 

    If self-development has been the trend in recent years, why is it that people feel less happy now? Gallup has been polling Americans on how they are feeling about different aspects of life and policy issues for the last two decades. Just this year, across those 29 different measurements, 38% of Americans say they’re satisfied in life.

    In today’s world, we are bombarded with messages that emphasize the importance of self-care, self-improvement, and self-actualization. However there is barely a whisper about the importance of connecting with others or how to improve the community in which you live.  

    Self-development often places a significant emphasis on individual achievement and personal success. While this can be motivating and empowering, it can also create a culture of individualism. This can lead to a lack of connection and empathy towards others, which can have negative consequences on our relationships and overall well-being.

    Furthermore, self-development can create a narrow focus on individual achievement, where the measure of success is often based on external factors such as wealth, status, and material possessions. This narrow focus can lead to a sense of competition and comparison with others, further isolating us from the connections that are vital to our emotional and mental health.

    Human beings are social creatures, and our connections with others are essential for our well-being and happiness. It can provide us with a sense of purpose and belonging. When we focus too much on self-development, we risk neglecting the connections that are vital to our emotional and mental health. The Roots Of Loneliness Project found that in 2022, 52% of Americans reported feeling lonely and 47% of people reported that their relationships with others are not meaningful. 

    I was on a plane from Miami to Boston a few weeks ago when I met the sweetest twin girls who were in their early twenties. They were originally from New York but were currently living in the Boston area. As we spoke about the adjustment from leaving home and moving to another state, one of them said, “We are finding it really difficult to make friends. It seems like no one wants a friend.”  In other recent conversations, I have heard similar comments from other young people. I have heard, “I don’t really have time to invest in friends.” Even from an eleven year old who said, “I don’t need friends, I have everything I need.” So do we really need each other or is it just one more thing we can take off our endless to do lists?

    The Harvard Study of Adult development learned that it is close relationships, not money, intelligence or one’s genetic makeup, that creates lifetime happiness. By prioritizing connection with others, we can develop a sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others. This can lead us to build more meaningful relationships as well as a more fulfilling life.  

    There are also many studies that have shown correlation between relationships and your life span. A recent 2002 study published in the Annual Review of Public Health on lifespan by BYU psychology professor, Julianne Holt-Lunstad, found that relationships matter more than genetics when it comes to aging well and longevity.  

    Let that sink in. Relationships can provide you more happiness, health and longevity. 

    So what do we do? Self-development and connection with others are not mutually exclusive. It’s possible to prioritize self-development while also prioritizing connections with others. Finding a balance between these two goals is crucial for achieving long-term success and happiness. This shift in focus can provide a sense of purpose and connection while also allowing us to grow and develop as individuals. It’s a win- win! 

    So can we cheer each other on while we are trying to become the best version of ourselves? Can we be friends?  I would really like that! You can find me here: http://www.AutumnShields.com. If you aren’t feeling the nudge to reach out to me, please do something to better yourself today and connect with someone else in a meaningful way.