Reflecting on a recent workshop with Liane Hambly and Lorna Stalker about navigating our life-career journeys, I was struck by the power of metaphor, particularly the idea of our career as a bus ride. One attendee’s comment about a great playlist for the journey really resonated with me, sparking thoughts about how music can profoundly influence our mindset and offer fresh perspectives on our professional paths. This got me thinking – if my career were a soundtrack, what songs would be on it? And, in a more quirky turn of thought, would a song as unusual as “they’re eating the dogs song” somehow fit in? While the latter might sound a bit out there, exploring the unexpected can sometimes lead to the most insightful discoveries.
Just like a carefully curated playlist can transform a mundane bus journey into an enjoyable experience, the right mindset, fueled by resonant themes, can significantly shape our career trajectory. The workshop emphasized taking control as the ‘bus driver’ of our career, and music provides a powerful tool to keep us motivated, entertained, and on course. Here are three songs that have consistently played in the background of my career, offering guidance and inspiration through different phases:
1. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey: The Anthem of Perseverance
Journey’s iconic power ballad, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” is my go-to anthem for resilience. The lyrics, “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feeling,” serve as a constant reminder that unwavering belief in our abilities and dreams is paramount, especially when facing career challenges. This resonates deeply with Henry Ford’s famous quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Maintaining a positive belief system is often the first step towards overcoming obstacles and achieving our career aspirations. In moments of doubt or setbacks, this song’s soaring melody and encouraging message help reignite that essential self-belief.
2. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams: Finding Joy in the Journey
Pharrell Williams’ infectious hit, “Happy,” underscores the vital role of joy in our professional lives. The line, “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth,” is a simple yet profound reminder to seek happiness in our work. Growing up in a low socioeconomic background, the focus was often on career security and stability, sometimes overshadowing the importance of genuine enjoyment. However, a crucial lesson I’ve learned is the significance of balancing financial security with job satisfaction. “Happy” serves as a cheerful nudge to prioritize finding work that not only provides for our needs but also brings us genuine pleasure and fulfillment. It’s a reminder that career success isn’t solely about achievements and accolades, but also about experiencing joy in the everyday work itself.
3. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift: Resilience Against Negativity
Taylor Swift’s empowering anthem, “Shake It Off,” provides a valuable lesson in resilience and navigating criticism. The catchy lyrics, “The players gonna play, play, play, play, play, and the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate,” teach us to disregard limiting beliefs imposed by others and to be selective about the feedback we internalize. In my career, I’ve embraced a mindset of being a curious and playful experimenter, trying new things and learning from both successes and perceived failures. “Shake It Off” encourages us to not be deterred by negativity or external pressures, and to confidently pursue our path, shaking off any limitations others might try to impose.
While I may not be turning these career lessons into chart-topping hits like Taylor Swift (though the thought is amusing!), the workshop with Liane and Lorna truly highlighted the power of metaphor and reflection in career development. Perhaps even a seemingly nonsensical phrase like “they’re eating the dogs song,” if it were a real song, could hold some unexpected career insight if we listen closely enough.
Thank you, Liane and Lorna, for the inspiring session and thought-provoking metaphors! Now, I’m curious – what three songs would make up your career soundtrack? What tunes keep you motivated, joyful, and resilient on your professional journey?
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