The Frozen Chasm: Get Ready, Stay Ready
The first time I was let go from a job was 10 years ago.
I shifted between cook and cashier at a barbecue food truck. Business started to slow, so my shifts became intermittent. Then, one day, my former boss stopped calling me in and I was, unceremoniously, no longer needed. I was down but I wasn’t out and, soon after, I resumed my time in broadcast news as a freelance designer.
My former supervisor at the news station gave me a call about some freelance work. I built an 8-year long relationship with the station, so I happily accepted and was thrilled to be back in action. Soon, a full time position opened up and I was encouraged to apply.
There were rounds of interviews, both with me and other applicants, but I was confident I had the job. I arrived at work after the interviews concluded, was called into the office and told, “Thank you for interviewing for the role, Marq. But, we’re deciding to go in a different direction.”
Talk about a gut punch.
In those moments, both experiences left me distraught. Now, I can reflect on them with a deep appreciation for the lessons that shifted my perspective and impacted my career. The most pivotal shift that set the tone for how I coach and lead was this: I wasn’t upset at being let go. I was devastated that I wasn’t prepared for it.
Here’s another truth that I’ve learned: you don’t have to “get ready” if you stay ready.
Let’s talk about it.
Change is constant. When one thing ends, another begins. Preparation is our survival strategy.
A decade ago, I learned firsthand that job security wasn’t real.
Many of us were reminded of that harsh reality at the onset of the pandemic then the current economic landscape. Now that AI is added into the mix, it’s safe to say that everything is in massive flux. But in times of significant change, adaptability, creativity, and resilience are needed most. And those are skills that many high achieving creative polymaths already have in our toolkits! Though, sometimes, we need specific strategies for our toolkits to overcome one of our biggest obstacles.
The challenge with staying ready is simple but a bit difficult when you’re involved in multiple projects: you need the time to actually get ready. Keep reading because I have a Next Level Tip that will help you turn that obstacle into a Level Up opportunity.
It’s true that disruption can rattle someone to the core, even the most prepared of us. But what if I told you that disruption is something you already know how to handle?
Disruption, by nature, is change.
And, through nature, we know that change happens in cycles (a.k.a. seasons). We see the signs all the time: leaves changing colors, temperatures dropping or rising, more or less daylight, etc. When we pick up on cycles and rhythms, we can better prepare for what will come our way. The reality is: Change is constant. When one thing ends, another begins. Preparation is our survival strategy.
GETTING READY TO STAY READY
I’ve always been fascinated by animals and nature. Animals that really intrigue me are bears and, in particular, their hibernation process. The San Diego Animal Sanctuary’s Lions, Tigers, & Bears explains the purpose and process of their winter slumber. Hibernation is a survival strategy for bears and they have a unique preparation phase called hyperphagia. They spend months consuming lots of food and water before they tuck away in their homes for the cold winter season.
I believe this is a perfect example to model our own survival strategies off of.
Let’s remix hyperphagia and apply it to you.
We know that winter always comes. Even if the time or temperatures fluctuate, it always comes after autumn and before spring. We also know that without adequate preparation, bears wouldn’t make it through the frigid season. The same applies to you. If you don’t have your resume, portfolio, website, and LinkedIn profile updated, layoffs and job searches turn into long, brutal seasons. Additionally, if a new opportunity arises, you won’t be prepared to step into it.
Here’s a Next Level Tip for you, fellow high achiever: Get ready when you’re comfortable, not when you’re in crisis.
Let me explain.
Bears intentionally create preparation time prior to winter because that’s when their energy is highest. They can survive because of the extra insulation they created during comfortable seasons. In my eyes, the name of the game is Sustain, and I model a similar strategy with my clients. I guide them to build sustainable practices into their lives, such as:
Creating intentional time blocks to audit and update their materials
Organizing what audits and updates take priority and if they’re in alignment with their goals
Identifying any areas that need improvement, adjustments, and/or expansion
Developing new habits that make the process enjoyable and sustainable
It’s important to build your insulation when you’re comfortable.
That’s the prime time because your energy can be used to be proactive rather than reactive. You’ll also be more apt to notice any signs that give you a heads up about incoming changes.
Remember, the name of the game is, what? Sustain.
Winters will come. So will Springs.
Make sure you get ready and stay ready, so when it’s time to make your move, you’ll be ready.
CHALLENGE TIME
So it’s Challenge Time!
One of the things I guide my clients through is developing strategies to succeed and sustain as they transform into their Next Level Selves. Without a gameplan in place, you’ll run the risk of struggling through harsh winters and freezing in the chasm.
Here’s my challenge to you:
Think of the primary goal you want to achieve in the next 3 months.
Ask yourself: Am I prepared to pursue and accomplish my 3-month goal?
Reflect on this question: Do I feel confident with my strategy, or do I need to regroup and reevaluate?
Look at you being brave and making moves! I’m proud of you!
Remember, every big change first starts with a small step. If this moved you to take your first step forward, congratulations! Now, imagine what could happen with personalized guidance to help you climb your mountain and become your Next Level Self. This is exactly the kind of personal and professional transformation I support my clients with.
So, if you’re ready to climb together, let’s talk.
PALATE CLEANSE
I'm a proud nerd with a deep love for video games, cartoons, martial arts, and anime. One of my favorites is a series called Naruto. If you happen to be a fan, then you'll recognize Neji Hyuga, a popular character from the series.
There are so many things I love about this video. I've always been a fan of Neji and the choreography is animated beautifully! I'm also ecstatic that Wing Chun, a martial art style I absolutely adore, was showcased (if you want to see a great martial arts movie featuring Wing Chun, check out one of my favorites, Ip Man).
Neji is the epitome of a high achiever who stays ready. If you’re still wrestling with finding the motivation to get and stay prepared, this might resonate with you.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate you and your support. I invite you to subscribe to The Mountaintop Substack. If you’re a podcast connoisseur, consider adding my podcast, Keep Sailing, to your rotation. Or if this moved you to pursue your Next Level Self, I invite you to inquire here to see if we’re a fit.
Let’s climb, together.