Below was an end-of-year letter I sent to 100+ young people I have been supporting through my role as Partner at Psalt Rise (slightly edited), a company dedicated to helping Black 18-25-year-olds be all they can be and get started on great careers. Hopefully, you will benefit from this message, too, as you translate it to answer the question, “What does this mean for me?”
I started this week with the urge to share a personal end-of-note to you all. Next year we are planning a number of exciting events to empower you, support you and get you all connected. But before we get onto next year, I wanted to share my reflections for this year.
This year has been a year of transition for me. I started the year with my son who just turned 1, work for me was mainly running my own business working with startups and investors and I was starting to spend more time at Psalt as I delivered my first leadership development session at Tesco on 19th January.
At the time, I had no career goal, no roadmap and no plan. I focused instead on feeding my curiosity and spending more time around people who empowered me, encouraged me and supported me.
Transitions often leave us with mixed feelings. For example, my transition this year made me aware that I was playing it too small. I remember having a coaching conversation, where my coach said “Andy you are a life adventurer.”
Those few words stuck with me, meant something to me, and reminded me to play bigger. What those words meant to me was that I needed to share more of who I am, keep feeding my curiosity and to create pathways for more people like me (you!) into great life adventures where you can fulfil your potential and be all that you can be.
There are four “Self-statements” that helped me prepare for transitions that I believe will help you too:
- Self-Awareness: “Know Yourself Before You Grow Yourself”
- Self-Responsibility: “Own Your Journey”
- Self-Respect: “Value Your Time and Energy”
- Self-Improvement: “Commit to Lifelong Learning”
Self-Awareness: “Know Yourself Before You Grow Yourself”
Understanding your values, strengths, and motivations helps you navigate unfamiliar territory. This encapsulates the work you started with Self Knowledge is Power on Come Correct, it is an ongoing journey, so keep reflecting and learning about what you have inside. This is how you start realising more of your potential.
Ask Yourself: How do I want to show up in this next phase?
Self-Responsibility: “Own Your Journey”
Transitions are full of challenges, but owning your choices gives you control. Backpacking in South America pushed me out of my comfort zone at 21. I had to take responsibility for my daily plans, safety, and growth. That independence prepared me to face bigger life decisions.
Ask Yourself: Reflect on a decision you’ve made recently. How can you take greater ownership of the next step?
Self-Respect: “Value Your Time and Energy”
Respecting yourself means setting boundaries, embracing growth opportunities, and saying no to distractions. At the start of my career as a management consultant, I learned how to manage my time, be punctual for work and take notes whenever someone was teaching me how to do a task. Despite working hard and often going the extra mile, I learned how to protect my mental health and have boundaries.
Ask Yourself: Evaluate: How am I spending my time? Does it align with who I want to become?
Self-Improvement: “Commit to Lifelong Learning”
Every transition is an opportunity to evolve and adapt. Growth occurs at the edge of your comfort zone, so get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I was asked to lead Psalt Rise, I had to reduce and limit the feeling of imposter syndrome, deepen my leadership style and be open to learn about the business, the companies and most importantly the people we serve, all of you.
Ask Yourself: Identify one area where you want to grow. What book, podcast, or mentor can support you?
As we end the year, I want to share that I am not only proud of all of you but optimistic and more excited for what lies ahead. This is less about myself and more about all of you!
Transitions will continue to occur in life, you have experienced them before, and you will experience them again. Take the transition you are facing as an opportunity to define and redefine your path ahead.
Wishing you a great rest of 2024 and look forward to supporting you next year.
Love & Light,
Andy