“Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress.”

As someone who has plenty of personal experience with perfectionism, I’ll be the first to admit that choosing progress over perfection it is not easy.

Are you someone who talks yourself out of doing things you want to do?

I am. I wait, thinking that my timing must be perfect. As if I am playing double dutch jump rope. Watching for my opportunity to jump in, swaying forward and back, creating some small, controlled momentum, waiting for the perfect moment, my feet firmly planted beneath me.

Fully engaged in the preparation. Strategically thinking about how it must be done. All the while, not taking the leap.

Is gender in the workplace something you think about? Is gender equality something that affects you and your career?

I worked in a primarily male workplace for decades. Initially in environmental compliance and permitting at a regulatory agency and then a law firm, before working at an integrated electric utility.

It was a career that served me well.

I am inspired. And it feels good.

It has me feeling lighter, brighter.

If what you are doing and who you are doing it with doesn’t light you up, take some time to reflect.

I had a 25+ year career in a primarily male workplace, in which my coworkers thought and communicated very different than I did.

A career in which I was able to learn, grow, and thrive. An unplanned and rewarding career path - all because I believed in myself. And was willing to step out of my comfort zone.

“Dream big.” I said in a recent coaching session with a client. “What would you want next if you could be or do anything at your current the company?”

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash