Stop. Acknowledge. Say Thanks.
This week...9/11 actually (more on that in a minute)...marks the five month mark of losing my job. Much has transpired since then...much. So, as much as five months can even be a ‘milestone’, I wanted to take advantage of this moment and jot down a few thoughts. This time not about leadership, not on digital journeys, nope, this time some acknowledgements and notes of appreciation.
First, it is important for me to note that it is not lost on me that my five month mark falls on 9/11... the anniversary of one of the greatest tragedies my country has seen in my lifetime. This keeps my journey in perspective, realizing it is like a grain of sand on the beach. Something to always remember.
And now Lucas Partnering has launched and early signs are very encouraging. It never could have happened without these:
Great advice from a few who had experienced the same thing as me. Advice that said ‘take some time’. Enjoy your family. Take care of yourself. Let things settle and unfold. Opportunities will still be there. I was smart enough to know these people knew more than me, so I listened. Thank you. You were right.
My LinkedIn community. Encouragement from countless people ‘telling me’ to chase my dream. And in this case not just people I knew. Numerous articles, posts and comments on LinkedIn ‘telling me’ it was possible. Stories of those who had done it. Stories of those who had found the freedom and satisfaction of taking the chance. Many of these appearing on my feed during times when self-doubt and anxiousness were creeping in. Thank you LinkedIn community for sharing. You have no idea how much it helped someone you may not even know. Keep them coming no matter who you are.
People who offer help...and really mean it. I mean really willing to help. Introducing me to their clients. Making connections and introductions. Sharing posts and saying kind words in the process. Offering and delivering powerful recommendations. Thank you. The key is, you must be willing to accept the help. Someone offers it up, take them up on it. You’ll find nearly all offers are sincere.
And of course, support from my friends and family. Through every communication vehicle imaginable...LinkedIn messages, Facebook messenger, texts, calls, comments on my posts, coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, visits to my home, invites to theirs. You gave me the courage and support to move forward and do what I want to do, and more importantly do it the way I want to do it.
Just the other day, a dear friend made a very profound statement to me. Paraphrasing here, as she said it much more elegantly than I will...many of us go from wanting to be great to wanting to be free. I believe it is when we are free that actual greatness can occur. Free doesn’t have to mean out on your own, but rather being free means you get to go do what you feel is right for you.
It’s been five months since I lost my job. Looking back now, one of the best things that ever happened to me. Success in my new adventure isn’t guaranteed, heck it may not even come at all. But it’s freeing and the guarantee is now I get to try.
So here’s to hoping you find it too, if you haven’t already. And in the meantime, thanks to all of you for helping me during my personal journey to be free.
Hi, I’m Dave Lucas. I am passionate about people-first leadership and marketing. My experience includes 20+ years in marketing leadership positions at Caterpillar Inc., many as the Global Digital Marketing Manager, and 10+ years in leadership positions at various marketing agencies. I am now the owner of Lucas Partnering, which focuses on companies looking to leverage my experience to advance their marketing efforts to the next level. You can reach me at davidlucas@lucaspartnering.com or on my website at www.lucaspartnering.com.