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You can chase plans and still miss what matters right in front of you.
by Drew Robbins
3 min read
Choose What Matters
Plans can guide you, but your choices about what matters are what last. When the applause quiets, what will still be true about your work?
You know the drill. You achieve the plan, get the promotion, and enjoy the congratulations. Then the noise fades. What stays is whether the work aligns with your values and whether your time went to people and problems that matter. If you grip the plan too tightly, you miss openings that only show up when you are paying attention.
Careers change in ways you do not expect, teams reorganize, and sometimes roles end without warning. When that happens, you need more than a title. You need a foundation you chose on purpose. That starts with a pause, a breath, and a clear decision about what you will protect with your time and energy. Plans can guide you. Your choices about what matters are what last.
Continuing to confuse career development with attaining specific positions will only limit the growth that both employees and organizations need.
— Julie Winkle Giulioni, Promotions Are So Yesterday
When the applause quiets, what do you want to still be true about your work and your life because you chose it on purpose?
Try This
Block 30 minutes today to name three priorities that would still matter if your role changed tomorrow, then drop one low value commitment.
Notice What Happens
Watch your energy and clarity rise when you protect a few things and release the rest.
Share or Reflect
Write one sentence about what you want to remain after the congratulations fade, share it with a friend or teammate.
Keep Going
Revisit your list each month, adjust the plan, keep your focus on what matters.
If this resonates, share with your network so others can choose what matters with intention.
