Watching Jay Shetty’s Youtube channel this week gave me some food for thought and inspired me to write this topic.
Before we get started, I will ask this very important question, please reflect on your answer and I will ask it again at the end of this article. We will see if your answer changes or remains the same.
Is it important to you to build a fulfilling life beyond your CV?
I have observed over the years how LinkedIn has turned into a constant showboating parade. There is an unspoken professional rule of thumb that the more educational achievements one has, the more degrees collected, the higher we climb the professional ladder the more valued we become as people. Don’t get me wrong, all these things are important but in our pursuit of success, perhaps we are not looking at the bigger picture. Perhaps deep down we are all conditioned to prioritise academic achievements, professional accomplishments, and a multitude of skills and experiences for the sake of showcasing on a CV. The fatter the cat, the bigger the cheese.
Whilst these attributes are undoubtedly valuable and can open many doors for us, it is crucial to remember that living a truly fulfilling and authentic life extends beyond the confines of a CV. It involves nurturing personal growth, pursuing life passions, fostering relationships, and creating a well-rounded existence that aligns with our values and purpose. I recall watching one of Carla Harris’ talks on YouTube, (she is someone I really look up to ) and I loved that she was courageous enough to admit that for many years she had to hide so many other aspects of her personality. Carla is a very accomplished ex-wall Street banker but she is also a successful gospel singer who had performed at Carnegie Hall to name a few, and an accomplished writer, coach, and more. However, it was interesting to learn that Carla felt that those other aspects of her life, Carla the singer, Carla the performer, Carla the coach did not belong or blend well with Carla the investment banker. Incidentally, it was her colleagues that would show her off to clients during IPO prospecting meetings and remark what a wonderful gospel singer she was though she would cringe at being outed, the Client would be truly awed by her multitude of unique talents.
An important takeaway to remember is that we are created on purpose to be multi-faceted and multi-talented. I came across a very interesting term that sums up this existence, “multipotentialite” which in summary emphasises the notion that we can be many things at once. Ultimately, this means we do ourselves more harm than good when we practice self-limiting beliefs or get sucked into ‘living for Linkedin or for the ‘Gram’. Instead of us assessing our lives through the lens of career building let’s look at ourselves in a more holistic wholesome manner. Now permit me to reframe the original question by asking ‘How will you build a fulfilling life beyond your CV?
I will start by responding and flipping the original lyrics of India Arie’s hit song “I am not my hair’” to become “ I am not my CV……”
Some additional things to think about:
Values and Purpose:
At the core of a fulfilling life lies the alignment of our actions with our values and purpose. Identifying our values helps us make choices that resonate with our authentic selves. When our actions are in harmony with our deeply held beliefs, we experience a sense of integrity and fulfillment. Our purpose, on the other hand, gives us direction and a sense of meaning. It is the driving force that fuels our passions and motivates us to make a positive impact on the world.
Relationships:
Meaningful connections and nurturing relationships are fundamental to a fulfilling life. Building strong bonds with family, friends, partners, and communities provides us with a sense of belonging, support, and love. Meaningful relationships contribute to our emotional well-being, create shared experiences, and offer opportunities for personal growth and mutual understanding. Investing time and effort in cultivating these connections enriches our lives and brings us joy and fulfillment.
Passion:
Passion is the fuel that ignites our souls and drives us forward. It is the pursuit of activities, hobbies, and interests that bring us immense joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. When we engage in activities we are passionate about, time seems to fly, and we experience a state of flow where our skills align with the challenges we face. Cultivating and pursuing our passions not only enhances our personal well-being but also allows us to make a positive impact in areas that truly matter to us.
Well-being:
A fulfilling life encompasses holistic well-being, prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking care of ourselves through regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and self-care practices is essential for maintaining balance and vitality. Nurturing our mental and emotional well-being involves practices such as mindfulness, stress management, and cultivating positive thought patterns. By prioritizing our well-being, we equip ourselves with the energy and resilience needed to fully engage in all aspects of life.
Lifelong Learning:
The pursuit of knowledge and continuous learning contributes significantly to personal growth and fulfillment. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning allows us to explore new ideas, acquire new skills, and expand our horizons. It opens doors to personal and professional development, enhances problem-solving abilities, and fosters adaptability in an ever-changing world. Learning keeps our minds active, sparks curiosity, and enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Gratitude:
Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating contentment and appreciation for the present moment. It involves acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings, experiences, and relationships we have in our lives. By shifting our focus to what we have rather than what we lack, we invite a sense of abundance and fulfillment. Regularly practicing gratitude helps us maintain a positive outlook, enhances our overall well-being, and deepens our connections with others.
Bigger Projects:
Beyond personal growth, meaningful lives often involve contributing to something larger than ourselves. Engaging in projects or causes that have a positive impact on society or the environment can bring a profound sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s volunteering, participating in community initiatives, or advocating for a cause, making a difference in the world can provide a deeper sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves.
