I spoke to several people this week who all used the same phrase, “I’m at a crossroads.”
A C-Suite client was at a crossroads about whether to stay or go at a company she had a firm hand in building. Yet, there was another offer from another company placed in her orbit.
“I’m at a crossroads,” she said.
Another client had just created a phenomenal piece of work at a big brand and was entertaining an offer to do a start-up. (He’s got a baby on the way, too!)
“I’m at a crossroads.”
I then spoke to a rising star. She thinks she wants to go full-time. Yet she is enjoying freelance. And at the same time, she is starting to feel like she wants to get into a new and totally different career.
“I’m at a crossroads.”
I offered each person the same bit of advice: “Write down 27 things.”
I’ve written about this 27 Things thing before.
It’s a coaching exercise designed by the brilliant Dr. Richard Boyatzis. (He’s a former rocket scientist so don’t question the number — it’s 27!)
The exercise goes like this: take out a notebook or piece of paper. Grab a pen or pencil and let your mind wander.
What are 27 things you want to do in work and life? Big things and small things. Serious things and fun things. Sublime things and the seemingly ridiculous.
“Be a drummer in a jazz band.” That was one of my 27 Things when I did the exercise in the spring of 2022. I also wrote down — become a truly helpful coach!
Don’t overthink it. Let your subconscious do the work.
Write hot and edit cool.
Or as Jack Kerouac once wrote, “Just go man, go.”’
What happens is you will unearth what you really want.
For my first client, it might be stay and retire early to make room for her passion — sailing.
For the second client, he might unearth that he wants to keep freelancing to see where else he can make impact. (And spend time with his new baby!)
For the third client, maybe she sees her new career in full light and starts the steps to make it happen.
Are you at a crossroads?
Write down 27 Things.
Start now.
Rob Schwartz is the Chair of the TBWA New York Group and an executive coach who channels his creativity, experience and wisdom into helping others get where they want to be. This was originally posted on his Substack, RobSchwartzHelps, where he covers work, life, and creativity.
Header image courtesy of the author, created in Midjourney.
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