In case you’re just following along now, we have been exploring the 3 S’s… those 3 things to keep in mind when you are trying to find your place. That place could be how you fit into the organization where you work. It could be how you fit in a movement or take action or volunteer your time.
Most of us struggle with finding our place in different dimensions of our lives, so it’s important to find actionable steps you can take. And you know I’m the Positive Action person, so I’ve got some ideas!
As a recap, those 3 S’s are:
What does it mean to Stretch? It means to do things you may not have done before. It means to be flexible as the situation changes. It’s all about adaptability (which btw was identified as one of the top skills for 2020 before anyone knew just how true it would be!).
Finding your place can be messy work. It may not be immediately apparent how you can best help the organization that you want to help.
Often, we have an image in our head of how we can swoop in, do some awesome work, and have thank-yous come pouring in. Spoiler alert: It almost never goes like that!
Instead, we may offer to share our strengths and get told no or ignored completely. We may start something and join a group, but because we didn’t feel an immediate connection, we stop going.
This is where we need to lean into the stretch! It’s time to try doing something else, or volunteering for the thing no one wants to do even if its not our strength. It can be uncomfortable to be flexible and adaptable, but the more we do it, the less awkward it becomes!
Finding our place often has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the bigger picture. The folks that are in it only for themselves don’t stick around too long (you’ve probably crossed paths with some people like that!). The people that see how their contribution, however small, is helping the greater good are the most likely to keep at it. And I’m all for more good in the world, especially right now!
#PositiveAction Practice adaptability by re-engaging with a group or offering a different kind of help than you have previously. There’s room for all of us as we find our place together.
If the last few months have been challenging or overwhelming and you want to talk with someone about finding your place in a movement, at work, or in life, I’ve opened up some 30-minute slots (FREE!) on my calendar. Use the contact form to reach out for more details.
This is the third in a three-part series on finding your place, whether in a movement, at work, or in life! See part 1 and part 2 here.
