ENGAGEMENT

In this final stage of the FUTURE process, you face your biggest challenge: engagement.

Engagement with family, friends and colleagues can leave you feeling vulnerable, to say the least.

You’ve put in all this hard work, and now you have to put it into practice, which means some form of engagement with others.

So it’s worth remembering that you are a leader. Although you may be reluctant to describe your plans to others, see it from their point of view. They may feel confused, vulnerable, and directionless, but they will welcome your plans, especially if your potential actions benefit them.

And if you subscribe to my model of Purposeful Prosperity, you will recognise the importance of making a difference to others. It gives meaning to your life and adds to your overall wealth.

Publication of a book, blog post or plans is often the most challenging part of the process.

I remember writing my first book. Writing it was easy, but pressing the “Publish” button was the hardest. I feared my readers’ opinions and comments. Ultimately, the feedback I got was overwhelmingly positive and included some excellent reviews on Amazon.

With hindsight, I should not have worried and had more faith in myself.

The same with your plans.

A few people may pillory your plans. As the saying goes, when you put your head above the parapet, someone will take a shot at you.

However, you may get some positive criticism, which you should welcome. Your connections may come up with good alternatives and suggestions, and if you need to rewrite your plans to some extent, then so be it.

However, most people will welcome them and appreciate them. If you are out to make a difference and find meaning in your life, your connections will benefit directly or indirectly.

So don’t be shy. Engage with your circle, ignore the naysayers, welcome the constructive criticism and get going on changing the world.

TAKE IT FURTHER

Reflect

Here are three points of view on which to reflect. Think of stories relating to the question and ask yourself what happened, so what and what next.

• What fears hold me back from ‘pressing publish’—and what truths might lie beyond those fears?
  Think about past experiences where you hesitated to share your work, and what actually happened when you did. What lessons can you carry forward?
• In what ways am I already a leader in my personal or professional life, even if I don’t always see myself that way?
  Consider where others already look to you for direction, stability or insight. How can acknowledging this shift your mindset as you engage with your plans?
• How can I create a feedback-rich environment that strengthens rather than weakens my resolve?
  Reflect on the kind of support network you want as you implement your ideas. Who gives you constructive encouragement, and how can you involve them more deliberately?

Comment

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ATTRIBUTIONS AND REFERENCES

Photo attribution

Getty Images

Audio link

https://audio.com/jeremy_deedes/audio/engagement/

ABOUT

I work with ambitious, family-oriented professionals transitioning to independent consultants to create a 3 to 5-year holistic plan so that they grow wealthy, make a difference and find meaning.

My clients are aged 35-50. They are in a long-term relationship with family and parents who are supportive but ageing. They wrestle with personal and financial responsibilities and dream of more control, wealth, time and purpose.

If this excites you, you are coachable, willing to change, and want to stop going around in circles, then find out more at jeremydeedes.com

Then, take your next step and explore your way forward with a Mapmaker, a one-off online coaching gig to help you decide your options, assess our compatibility, and determine whether we are the right fit. Mapmaker is excellent value, held in confidence and without further commitment.

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What do you think?

Your views are important, and your fellow readers would love to hear your opinion, so share your thoughts in the comments box below, and thank you for your time and generosity.