I’ve been working for myself since 1999. Let me tell you, it hasn’t always been easy. In the early years, I wasn’t sure Original Impulse was going to make it.
This fear usually arose when I needed to do something difficult in the business. Among these challenges:
- writing marketing copy
- going through the process to sell my first e-book online (Create Your Writer’s Life, 2003)
- becoming a corporation and dealing with all the paperwork to manage that
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, I am so glad I stuck with it. What helped me get over my fear and resistance?
Pulling out my resume to apply for a job.
It always seemed that the difficulties of running a business paled in comparison to fitting my skills onto one sheet of paper. And it seemed the things that go on a resume are not the things that make me me.
Use your experiences to know yourself better and empower your future
One of my favorite exercises for my coaching clients is the Adventure Resume©. This process helps them recognize themselves on a deep level. With this awareness comes a greater power to access their original impulse to make better choices.
I created this process years ago when I was at a crossroads in my life. I mapped all the things I’d done on paper. When I was finished, I was astounded to see that I felt much different about my seemingly random experiences. My values were clearly outlined in the choices I had made. Astonishingly, I felt okay about dying; I felt I’d lived an adventurous life.
Plus, it’s fun to look back and see all your adventures chronicled in one place.
I just love this idea – I love the idea of the adventure resume. I have printed it out and plan on spending some time with this. I need some quiet time to reflect and think about things I have loved doing. I’m working through the Artist’s Way with a group online – this plays nicely into some of the stuff we have done. Thank you! I’m going to share it!
Vickie,
I’m so glad you love the Adventure Resume! It does take some thinking, but not necessarily a lot of time. Perhaps a couple of hours on an afternoon with a pot of tea.
I first did this about 4 years after I did The Artist’s Way, so I can see how there’s a connection. To me, The Artist’s Way was an excellent guide to the self. What lights me up? What do I want for my creative life? Mapping my adventures was a way to acknowledge and claim my past and to see what has been important to me over time.
Have fun doing yours! Let me know when/if you post it so I can check it out!
I’m looking forward to doing my Adventure Resume tomorrow. It sounds like just the right exercise for this nexus in my life. Thanks, Cynthia. You always have the best ideas!
What a great idea, Anne, to do the AR at a transition time. It will really help ground you (such a Boulder thing to say – it looks awkward in writing!) in who you are and how you’ve expressed that.
When you see your values in your adventures, it will help you make choices for your new chapter.
I’m excited for you!
Gah! What!? Yes!
I have a big file called “resumé” in my cabinet and I have NEVER EVER EVER been pleased with what I manage to wrangle into a resumé.
I felt close with a packet I made using strengthsfinder stuff and comments from friends/family/coworkers(past). . . I look forward to doing this.
I have printed out the instructions AND blocked out an hour point five later today for the work!
thank you!
Rachel,
I’m so happy that you have a new, useful way to do your resume!
Woah! Great idea. I love this idea and can’t wait to fill it out. Thanks for this. 🙂