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Life and Career Analogs

In a recent impromptu interview with award winning movie writer/director Edward Lyons, a story I hope he will someday allow me to record and promote, something clicked in my brain. My career in talent acquisition in a corporate world is not so different from his. Even though he could have been a great actor or teacher of actors, he has a calling to lead talented people through his craft from the other side of the lens. I don’t think I am unique in recognizing that anyone who makes a conscious choice to fulfill a lifelong destiny, regardless of the environment, at some point in time becomes acutely aware of the impact of their actions on other fellow travelers on our planet. If that choice is because of misplaced loyalties, misunderstood motives, or merely money, we are likely to overlook the primary reason we are here. It’s about them. It’s also keenly about ourselves.

When actors audition for a seemingly endless trail of parts, are they so different from unemployed or unsatisfied corporate ladder climbers who can rationalize rejection and turn obstacles into excuses? When opportunity finally rings up, and there is a life-altering decision at hand, how does anyone ever dig up the courage to take the path that is best for them and everyone else? When we are holding others from success instead of pushing them, or they hold us back, where is the escape to a better place? So many questions… so many questions… not enough answers.

The answers to life come from faith. There must be faith in a power outside of ourselves, faith in those we trust, and most importantly a faith in self. Those simple things are not the cure for all ills, but to clear the brambles from our paths, to make courageous decisions, to truly be a help to others, it takes more faith than we can often find. We also have to know that it’s OK to ask for help. Knowing who to ask for help is critical to creating, building, or restoring faith. If you don’t have a director for your life script, find one.

Another key point analogous to people of all callings is that of forgiveness. Without forgiving that thing often called fate for tampering with our lives, the forgiveness of others for real or imagined wrongs, and forgiving ourselves for past mistakes, we can become our own worst enemies. We need to own all of our actions. Without hindsight, there is no foresight. Some would call that simply learning from experience rather than constantly reliving it.

This epiphany of mine isn’t all that special or unique. We have to be aware of the forces around us, tailor it like an off-the-rack suit until it fits perfectly, and then wear it proudly. If it doesn’t fit, it’s our fault. That is a universal truth. We may never find that proverbial meaning of life, but we can get closer to understanding our purpose and recognize our value.

If you don’t care about yourself or others, please disregard this.

Image Credit: Copyright Elnur / 123RF Stock Photo

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