As we start the New Year, we cannot help but think of new beginnings. For many, it provides an opportunity to start fresh. Lots of people will commit to resolutions of self-improvement of one kind or another. The feeling is one of optimism.
For some however, new beginnings are not always filled with optimism. Not everyone starts over by a happy choice. Often we are forced to start over under less than favorable circumstances. Whether it is through loss of career or business, or any number of factors, changing what we do for a livelihood is difficult and can have far greater affects than you might initially think.
Many people have their identities tied to their careers. What they do has become who they are. My friend, Keith Elias, struggled with this kind of new beginning. He had always been a football player, right up until his six-year NFL career ended. With the end of his career came the loss of structure, finances and identity. Suddenly, he was left with the challenge of answering the question, “If I am a football player who no longer plays football, then who am I?”
Keith struggled to answer that question for a time. But as so often happens, the struggle bred greatness. Keith did not lie down and give up on life. Instead of lamenting the past, he embraced the possibilities of the future. He learned how transition from life as a professional football player. Keith realized that there is a lot more to him than just being a football player. He realized that he has so much more to offer the world beyond the gridiron. Now he works with the NFL to help other football players make that same transition.
Many of us will find ourselves in a position similar to Keith’s, no longer able to do the thing by which we have defined ourselves for so many years. When that happens, we will also have a choice. Will we give up? Or will we struggle and fight to start our next chapter in life? Will the end become an obstacle and a stopping point, or will it become the beginning of our next great opportunity?
I encourage you to look at that end as the great opportunity that it is. Just as the New Year is a chance to start fresh, so is that end. Leaving the old definitions behind, you will be able to write the next chapter of your life with the gift of all of your life’s experiences. With perspective and wisdom that come only with age and experience, you will be able to boldly march forward into your new venture.
As you move forward, know that you are not alone. Lots of people have been in your situation, having to start over. If others can do it, you can do it. Starting over won’t be easy, especially at first. The important thing is to start. Take at least one step forward every day. Some days the steps will be small. Other days the steps will be big. The important thing is that you keep taking those daily steps. Soon enough, you will realize that you not taking one step each day but several leaps and bounds. When you stop to take a look back at where you started, you will be amazed to see how far you have gone and how much you have grown.
If you would like to read Keith’s story, click here to request your free copy of his book, Purpose, Passion & Profit.
Until next time, Fight On!
Black Alder 