Thanks for the thought provoking post. It helped me think more about this theory I have:
That certain people have great ambition for "more." That it is harder to change that drive for ambition than it is to change the object of that ambition.
So what are the objects of ambition that are not corrosive?
Helping people, being good at your familial roles, friendship, self-awareness, writing (has recently become a core ambition for me, connected to self-awareness), pursuit of knowledge, staying healthy and so on.
Along with choosing worthy objects of ambition, I think a diversified approach is essential. These ambitions are the source of your self-esteem so you don't want to depend on just one.
Diversified approach when it comes to ambition and the objects of... spoken like a true former financial guy! ;)
I figured I had just lost my ambition--that it is either dormant or just gone for good. You make a good point here though. If it ever comes back, I'll have to remember to diversify my approach to it. Work is not the be all and end all. This I know to be true. Now.
So many things Emily!! First off thank-you for being you and being so generous with your time and story for our interview. As for the rest...
-Exhibit A. Holy shitballs.
-Computer metaphor regarding the operating system. Perfection.
-Only two spots left and you turned down 14 already because they're not the right fit?! Wow. Integrity.
-Expansion drawing. Yes, please.
-Completion instead of quit. Beautiful.
-Last week Emily pic. You're energy is gorgeous. Pretty much says it all.
I'm so happy for you that you are coming out of the wilderness of these last several years with a renewed sense of purpose. Lucky are those that will get to work with you and Lisa and benefit from your knowledge and insight.
" the tyranny of “let me just get through this next part, and then things will be better.”" This is like staying with the wrong person because they promise to change. It's just the best when we let ourselves know better.
I love this and feel every bit of it in my bones! It’s such an important conversation to understand bigger isn’t always better when it comes to building a business and probably most other things too.
Over 5 years I systematically downsized a business of 3 locations and 20+ employees. To now a tiny shop in a small town, me & 1 pt time employee. The shocker is my income is the same as what it was without the massive overhead and the freedom is real!!!
I am saving this and printing out that graphic of the linear line versus expansion. I've been thinking a lot about balance lately and how much I hate the work/life balance construct but instead trying to think about it as balance between resting vs productivity, learning vs teaching, etc. I hope to write on it more and this piece just helped to crystalize it even more for me. Thank you.
I really love this post. It's hard to keep a comment succinct because you hit SO MANY marks to comment off of! It IS okay to be DONE! And it's OK start fresh with a REVISED perspective, a DIFFERENT lane, and /or whatever else the fresh-and-new but a-little-older-and-a-MUCH-wiser-YOU desires. P.S. COMPLETION is brilliant and also sums up so many complicated emotions in one loaded, meaningful word.
I’ve stepped off the treadmill a few times in my life. Every time it was the best thing I could possibly have done for myself. ‘Enough’ money is enough and there are many, many, more enjoyable jobs and activities that will result in ‘enough’ money - and a much happier life. I adore that photo of you from last week. Unrecognisable!! SO happy. Thanks SO much for sharing this with us. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗😘💕
Thanks for the thought provoking post. It helped me think more about this theory I have:
That certain people have great ambition for "more." That it is harder to change that drive for ambition than it is to change the object of that ambition.
So what are the objects of ambition that are not corrosive?
Helping people, being good at your familial roles, friendship, self-awareness, writing (has recently become a core ambition for me, connected to self-awareness), pursuit of knowledge, staying healthy and so on.
Along with choosing worthy objects of ambition, I think a diversified approach is essential. These ambitions are the source of your self-esteem so you don't want to depend on just one.
David, this is great. Thank you for the reflection!
Diversified approach when it comes to ambition and the objects of... spoken like a true former financial guy! ;)
I figured I had just lost my ambition--that it is either dormant or just gone for good. You make a good point here though. If it ever comes back, I'll have to remember to diversify my approach to it. Work is not the be all and end all. This I know to be true. Now.
So many things Emily!! First off thank-you for being you and being so generous with your time and story for our interview. As for the rest...
-Exhibit A. Holy shitballs.
-Computer metaphor regarding the operating system. Perfection.
-Only two spots left and you turned down 14 already because they're not the right fit?! Wow. Integrity.
-Expansion drawing. Yes, please.
-Completion instead of quit. Beautiful.
-Last week Emily pic. You're energy is gorgeous. Pretty much says it all.
I'm so happy for you that you are coming out of the wilderness of these last several years with a renewed sense of purpose. Lucky are those that will get to work with you and Lisa and benefit from your knowledge and insight.
Kim! Thank you so much for all of this -- I really feel your support. You're the best.
" the tyranny of “let me just get through this next part, and then things will be better.”" This is like staying with the wrong person because they promise to change. It's just the best when we let ourselves know better.
YESSSS
Emily,
Thank you for your honesty always
I love this and feel every bit of it in my bones! It’s such an important conversation to understand bigger isn’t always better when it comes to building a business and probably most other things too.
Over 5 years I systematically downsized a business of 3 locations and 20+ employees. To now a tiny shop in a small town, me & 1 pt time employee. The shocker is my income is the same as what it was without the massive overhead and the freedom is real!!!
Melinda, this is such awesome news! I'm so happy to hear about this evolution for you. YES! Where are you now?
THIS FOREVER
xoxoxo
I am saving this and printing out that graphic of the linear line versus expansion. I've been thinking a lot about balance lately and how much I hate the work/life balance construct but instead trying to think about it as balance between resting vs productivity, learning vs teaching, etc. I hope to write on it more and this piece just helped to crystalize it even more for me. Thank you.
Awesome, I'm so glad it resonated for you Katie!
I love this. I LOVE this.
Thank you!
I really love this post. It's hard to keep a comment succinct because you hit SO MANY marks to comment off of! It IS okay to be DONE! And it's OK start fresh with a REVISED perspective, a DIFFERENT lane, and /or whatever else the fresh-and-new but a-little-older-and-a-MUCH-wiser-YOU desires. P.S. COMPLETION is brilliant and also sums up so many complicated emotions in one loaded, meaningful word.
Thank you so much, Kathy! ❤️
I’ve stepped off the treadmill a few times in my life. Every time it was the best thing I could possibly have done for myself. ‘Enough’ money is enough and there are many, many, more enjoyable jobs and activities that will result in ‘enough’ money - and a much happier life. I adore that photo of you from last week. Unrecognisable!! SO happy. Thanks SO much for sharing this with us. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗😘💕
Beth, I always love reading your comments. Yes!!! Heaps of hugs back at you.
B-R-A-V-O
HI ROBIN! Thank you and I love the name of your Substack! :)
Love love love. Thank you ❤️🍃
Thank you Emma! ❤️