Can you really have it all? ✨

Welcome back, subscribers!.....and Happy Spring!

I hope this issue is finding you well… happy, inspired, energized… busy!

Spring is usually a time when many people start dusting off the cobwebs, to put it “plainly” :-). Almost miraculously, we start to feel a lot more focused, active, and maybe even driven.

We’re Spring cleaning….

We’re starting new business ventures, we're networking, We’re striving towards summer body goals… planning trips, reconnecting with friends… family… some are dating… :-).

Like the new year, spring is a time where everything seems possible.

But with only so many hours in the day, and with only so much personal bandwidth… How do we reasonably manage such lofty goals and expectations?

What all can fit in an already too-busy schedule?

How do we choose which of our dreams to chase?

What do we sacrifice?

I mean… We can’t have it all…

Can we?

For the many of you who are ambitious, goal-oriented, and perhaps simultaneously “fearful” that you may have to curb your enthusiasm, or settle on one, and not all of your dreams, I’d like to offer a bit of insight…

In honor of spring, I invite you to try thinking of your life as a garden. With great potential to bring forth and hold a great many varieties… Based of course, on what you decide to plant and tend.

With this in mind, to the question:

Can you really have it all?

I’d say Yes… YOU CAN!

And as you’re creating your garden, or the life you desire, consider these 5 principles I wholeheartedly live by:

1. Identify Your Version of "Having It All"

What does having it all mean?

This is personal, and has a different definition for everyone. I believe it's truly important to look inward when you think about and map out the things that YOU really want. This is defined by what you want to accomplish in your life regardless of other people’s expectations of you.

I truly believe that to “have it all”…you must choose to pursue a life that brings you happiness and purpose… which might not align completely with what is expected by others.

2. Timing and Prioritization

Disclaimer:

You can have it all but, not necessarily at the same time. This is especially true during the “Building Phase.” This is the time when you’re crafting the foundation for the life you desire.

For a prosperous garden, you first start with the soil.

For example: early on in my career, I prioritized advancement in my profession, which over time provided the expertise and financial stability to venture into entrepreneurship with my consulting business.

During the early stages of your career, you might prioritize gaining experience and skills in your chosen field. This foundation becomes the roots of your tree, grounding you and providing stability as you grow. It's about laying down the groundwork for your future success, ensuring that you have a solid base to support your ambitions and withstand the challenges that may come your way.

Try this exercise:

On a sheet of paper, write down everything you’d like to achieve within the next 5-10 years. Now, look at each point like a building block.

Which aspiration should come first? Second? Third? Can some be accomplished simultaneously? And which are needed as a prerequisite, to provide stability or support for the next?

The objective here is to develop a sturdy foundation that allows for growth. So whatever it is that you want for your life or next opportunity, try to think about the individual building blocks that lead there.

3. Identify What Your Trade-Offs Are

Life is full of choices—each one leading you down a different path. Yes, you can pursue your goals, but it often comes with sacrifices. For instance, during the Building Phase of your life, you may need to invest extra time and effort into your career. As a result, you might sacrifice leisure time or social activities. You may find these tradeoffs are necessary to prioritize your long-term goals and aspirations.

Here’s the truth and reality: you cannot operate at 100% in every facet of your life. Yes, you can have everything that you desire, but there are always tradeoffs. Sacrifices must be made. Just understand these sacrifices are temporary and will only last for a season.

Early on in my career, I worked extremely long hours, and at times stayed the night at work for critical “all hands on deck” projects. During that season, I sacrificed spending time with my loved ones. Fast forward to the current season of my life, I can prioritize spending time with my family and friends. Although I wouldn’t recommend taking the route I took, I challenge you to think about a tradeoff or delayed gratification you can explore to expedite achieving your long-term goals.

4. Don’t Settle For Less

“Good enough” never ever gets you what you really want.

On your road to “having it all”, a major key is to NEVER SETTLE. Settling is simply a disservice to yourself forgoing what you can truly have for just “good enough.”

Try to picture the life you aspire to have—a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

Now, imagine the complete opposite where you settle for less— a life filled with no meaning, indifference, and dissatisfaction.

If your dream is to travel the world, pursue flexible opportunities that align with those aspirations. A path that offers you the freedom to travel. Dont settle for a job that isn’t remote…leaving you unfulfilled and restricted to one location.

Remember, mediocrity is the enemy of progress—tempting you to accept the status quo, give up, and relinquish your dreams. Rejecting mediocrity means refusing to settle for anything less than your best. Deep down inside, I know and you know that you're capable of so much more.

5. Pivot as Needed

Power is oftentimes in the pivot. Remember that nothing is set in stone, life is unpredictable, and filled with unexpected twists and turns. To thrive in such uncertainty, you must remain agile—the ability to adapt and adjust to changing circumstances. Being agile doesn't mean abandoning your goals; it means being flexible in your approach, open to new opportunities, and resilient in the face of challenges. If your career takes an unexpected turn, be willing to pivot and explore new avenues that align with your long-term objectives.

Much of my success has been in my ability to pivot. In undergrad, I originally majored in journalism with a dream to become a television news anchor. But when I was randomly placed in the market research department during my college internship, that’s when I fell in love with analytics. I was open, curious, and embraced this unexpected new passion of mine. The following semester, I took a market research class to dive deeper into this new interest of mine and the rest is history. Market research led me to ecommerce (which, by the way, blends beautifully with analytics), which then led me to tech.

Life may not always unfold as planned, but often, the unexpected brings the greatest rewards.

The key here is to embrace change and discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Don’t get stuck on one way or one path. Even during dormant seasons, I view them as opportunities for reflection and recalibration.

I hope these five principles leave you inspired and motivated to go after what’s most important to you.

“Having it all” is not about achieving perfection. It’s about crafting a life that resonates with your deepest desires, passions, and values.

So go ahead, and build the life that you want—one block at a time.

As always, thank you for subscribing!

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