WEBVTT 1 00:00:18.705 --> 00:00:20.885 Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. 2 00:00:21.505 --> 00:00:24.245 I'm the founder of Lead Above Noise, where we help leaders 3 00:00:24.765 --> 00:00:27.565 activate performance and engagement without burning out, 4 00:00:27.835 --> 00:00:29.725 whether it's boot camps, keynotes, 5 00:00:29.725 --> 00:00:31.845 or pulse checks, we deliver workshops 6 00:00:31.845 --> 00:00:33.405 and programs that drive meaningful change. 7 00:00:33.825 --> 00:00:36.765 If your workplace is ready for an activation boost, you know 8 00:00:36.765 --> 00:00:38.445 where to find me. 9 00:00:38.445 --> 00:00:40.405 So can we talk about my dad for a second? 10 00:00:41.065 --> 00:00:43.645 So when I was growing up, he was all about watching sports. 11 00:00:44.405 --> 00:00:46.565 Whatever game was on, he was all in. 12 00:00:47.625 --> 00:00:50.445 And now that he's older, he has transferred his affection 13 00:00:50.505 --> 00:00:51.845 to wait for it. 14 00:00:52.485 --> 00:00:55.845 Hallmark movies, OMG, he loves everything about them. 15 00:00:56.305 --> 00:00:58.725 And whenever he's at my house, he puts one on 16 00:00:58.985 --> 00:01:01.925 and I grumble while I get totally sucked in. 17 00:01:02.545 --> 00:01:05.205 Are they all basically the same? Yes, they are. 18 00:01:05.745 --> 00:01:08.485 You know, big city career person moves to a small town, 19 00:01:08.515 --> 00:01:09.845 usually begrudgingly 20 00:01:10.185 --> 00:01:11.845 and somewhere between decorating cookies 21 00:01:11.905 --> 00:01:13.525 and saving the local bookstore. 22 00:01:13.525 --> 00:01:16.245 They have this life altering moment of clarity. 23 00:01:16.675 --> 00:01:18.645 They've realized they've been chasing the wrong things, 24 00:01:18.715 --> 00:01:22.285 they reprioritize and everything falls perfectly into place. 25 00:01:23.325 --> 00:01:25.965 I know gross, but also more please. 26 00:01:26.985 --> 00:01:29.845 And I actually think I'm starting to learn something. 27 00:01:30.455 --> 00:01:33.285 While you are totally welcome to pass on the relocating 28 00:01:33.285 --> 00:01:34.285 to a small town 29 00:01:34.285 --> 00:01:37.405 and saving the bookstore part, I do think there is something 30 00:01:37.405 --> 00:01:38.845 to be said for the stepping back 31 00:01:38.945 --> 00:01:41.765 and reflecting part year end is a great 32 00:01:41.765 --> 00:01:42.885 time for this though. 33 00:01:42.885 --> 00:01:44.285 Frankly, it's never a bad time 34 00:01:44.625 --> 00:01:45.885 to audit how things are going. 35 00:01:46.715 --> 00:01:48.725 When I do this, there are four key questions 36 00:01:48.745 --> 00:01:49.805 I'd like to ask myself. 37 00:01:50.265 --> 00:01:52.245 The four places I'd love to investigate, 38 00:01:52.865 --> 00:01:54.645 and I'd like to walk you through my approach 39 00:01:55.025 --> 00:01:56.165 and see what resonates. 40 00:01:56.745 --> 00:01:59.565 So here we go. The first bit I like 41 00:01:59.565 --> 00:02:00.965 to reflect on is clarity. 42 00:02:01.675 --> 00:02:04.125 Like are you clear on where you're going? 43 00:02:04.715 --> 00:02:07.805 This is not the same thing as what's your five-year plan. 44 00:02:08.075 --> 00:02:10.885 This is meant to be more of a direction than a destination. 45 00:02:11.985 --> 00:02:14.125 So rather than stating a specific title 46 00:02:14.345 --> 00:02:17.925 or salary that you're striving for, focus instead on 47 00:02:18.035 --> 00:02:19.085 what you wanna be doing, 48 00:02:19.465 --> 00:02:20.805 how you wanna be spending your time, 49 00:02:21.545 --> 00:02:23.125 asking yourself questions like, 50 00:02:23.505 --> 00:02:25.805 do I wanna be deepening a particular expertise 51 00:02:26.145 --> 00:02:27.645 or am I interested in broadening 52 00:02:27.645 --> 00:02:29.445 or growing into a leadership role? 53 00:02:30.075 --> 00:02:32.845 Does my current role give me the opportunity to develop in 54 00:02:32.845 --> 00:02:33.925 that particular direction? 55 00:02:34.355 --> 00:02:36.845 Like do I have access to other subject matter experts 56 00:02:36.905 --> 00:02:38.245 or small opportunities 57 00:02:38.345 --> 00:02:40.525 to dip a toe into the leadership pool? 58 00:02:41.185 --> 00:02:42.645 And do I feel excited by 59 00:02:42.705 --> 00:02:44.325 or engaged in the direction I'm heading? 60 00:02:44.625 --> 00:02:46.125 Or am I just following the path? 61 00:02:46.165 --> 00:02:47.365 I feel like I'm supposed to? 62 00:02:48.775 --> 00:02:50.585 Take a moment to reflect on your answers. 63 00:02:51.085 --> 00:02:52.825 If you feel like you're spinning your wheels 64 00:02:52.825 --> 00:02:55.585 or lacking a clear destination, it's okay. 65 00:02:56.205 --> 00:02:58.865 The goal here isn't to have your entire career mapped out, 66 00:02:58.885 --> 00:03:01.525 but to identify what's next and why it matters. 67 00:03:02.545 --> 00:03:05.085 If clarity feels a little hazy, start small. 68 00:03:05.495 --> 00:03:07.445 Reach out to a mentor or a colleague 69 00:03:07.465 --> 00:03:09.165 and talk about your aspirations. 70 00:03:09.515 --> 00:03:11.845 Sometimes just saying it all out loud can 71 00:03:11.845 --> 00:03:13.085 bring unexpected insights. 72 00:03:13.745 --> 00:03:17.685 Or my go-to is journaling straight up pen and paper 73 00:03:17.915 --> 00:03:20.765 because sometimes it feels like my fingers carry a 74 00:03:20.765 --> 00:03:22.605 particular wisdom, the rest of me is lacking. 75 00:03:23.945 --> 00:03:26.725 So the next spot I like to investigate is growth. 76 00:03:27.155 --> 00:03:29.405 Like are you developing in meaningful ways? 77 00:03:30.385 --> 00:03:32.965 So growth can be about promotions or certifications, 78 00:03:33.465 --> 00:03:36.405 but it can also just be about finding moments in which 79 00:03:36.425 --> 00:03:38.885 to stretch and challenge yourself to learn 80 00:03:38.885 --> 00:03:39.925 and practice new skills 81 00:03:40.025 --> 00:03:41.605 and expand your confidence, 82 00:03:41.675 --> 00:03:43.245 your readiness to take on new things. 83 00:03:44.335 --> 00:03:45.395 You might ask yourself, 84 00:03:45.895 --> 00:03:47.235 what's something I learned this year? 85 00:03:47.635 --> 00:03:50.155 A skill, a tool, a practice that I'm proud of, 86 00:03:50.575 --> 00:03:52.675 and do I feel set up to build on it Next year? 87 00:03:53.255 --> 00:03:55.715 What's the biggest gap between my current self 88 00:03:55.715 --> 00:03:57.155 and the person I'm striving to be? 89 00:03:57.585 --> 00:03:59.995 What does that person know how to do that I don't? 90 00:04:00.215 --> 00:04:02.235 And where can I find the opportunity to learn it? 91 00:04:03.215 --> 00:04:04.715 And are there specific parts 92 00:04:04.715 --> 00:04:06.555 of my job I'm doing on autopilot? 93 00:04:06.655 --> 00:04:09.115 And are there ways I might spice things up next year? 94 00:04:09.495 --> 00:04:11.035 Try something new. See how it lands. 95 00:04:15.265 --> 00:04:17.445 If growth feels stagnant, consider 96 00:04:17.445 --> 00:04:18.565 where you might need a nudge. 97 00:04:18.945 --> 00:04:21.165 It could be as simple as volunteering to lead a project, 98 00:04:21.465 --> 00:04:24.125 taking a class, or even shadowing a 99 00:04:24.125 --> 00:04:25.405 colleague in a different department. 100 00:04:26.105 --> 00:04:28.445 Choose one small challenge to take on in January. 101 00:04:28.595 --> 00:04:31.565 Something that feels just a bit outside your comfort zone. 102 00:04:32.145 --> 00:04:35.085 For example, if public speaking makes you nervous, offer 103 00:04:35.085 --> 00:04:36.685 to present at an upcoming team meeting. 104 00:04:37.105 --> 00:04:39.245 Growth happens in small moments of stretch. 105 00:04:40.625 --> 00:04:42.885 The third space to look is impact. 106 00:04:43.425 --> 00:04:44.965 Are you creating value that matters? 107 00:04:46.105 --> 00:04:47.445 We all want our work to matter, 108 00:04:47.785 --> 00:04:49.765 but sometimes in the rush to check boxes, 109 00:04:50.185 --> 00:04:51.765 we lose sight of the bigger picture. 110 00:04:52.665 --> 00:04:55.005 Ask yourself, who benefits most from my work? 111 00:04:55.625 --> 00:04:58.485 And this, by the way, does not have to be big or existential 112 00:04:58.545 --> 00:05:02.045 or lifesaving, but whose life are you making a tiny bit 113 00:05:02.045 --> 00:05:04.205 easier or cleaner or more interesting? 114 00:05:04.265 --> 00:05:05.285 And does that excite you? 115 00:05:05.875 --> 00:05:08.055 What's one project or accomplishment this year 116 00:05:08.055 --> 00:05:09.575 that I'm especially proud of? 117 00:05:09.915 --> 00:05:12.615 And how did it contribute to an outcome that I care about? 118 00:05:13.535 --> 00:05:15.075 And if I walked away tomorrow, 119 00:05:15.625 --> 00:05:18.235 what would people miss about the value I bring to the team? 120 00:05:18.935 --> 00:05:21.795 If you're not sure about the answers, take this as a cue 121 00:05:21.815 --> 00:05:23.595 to reconnect with the why behind your work. 122 00:05:23.985 --> 00:05:27.795 Understanding the impact you have on colleagues or customers 123 00:05:27.795 --> 00:05:30.795 or the organization can reignite your sense of purpose. 124 00:05:31.835 --> 00:05:32.885 Talk to your leader about 125 00:05:32.885 --> 00:05:34.205 how your work has made a difference. 126 00:05:34.625 --> 00:05:37.045 Ask for feedback, share your own reflections. 127 00:05:37.355 --> 00:05:40.285 Acknowledging your impact out loud can deepen your 128 00:05:40.285 --> 00:05:41.365 confidence and commitment. 129 00:05:42.475 --> 00:05:44.175 And the fourth area is balance. 130 00:05:45.035 --> 00:05:46.895 Are you thriving in and out of work? 131 00:05:47.485 --> 00:05:49.695 Balance is not about achieving perfection, 132 00:05:50.125 --> 00:05:52.095 it's about feeling like you can show up fully 133 00:05:52.235 --> 00:05:54.175 for both your work and your life. 134 00:05:54.755 --> 00:05:58.045 So ask yourself, how do I feel at the end of most work days, 135 00:05:58.635 --> 00:06:00.605 energized, neutral, or drained? 136 00:06:01.345 --> 00:06:02.845 Are there boundaries I need to set 137 00:06:02.905 --> 00:06:04.445 to protect my time and energy? 138 00:06:05.025 --> 00:06:07.445 And what's one habit or ritual I could add 139 00:06:07.545 --> 00:06:09.645 or remove to feel more balanced? 140 00:06:10.195 --> 00:06:11.285 Balance is personal. 141 00:06:11.665 --> 00:06:13.845 For some it's about setting stricter work hours. 142 00:06:14.545 --> 00:06:16.605 For others, it's about making time for hobbies 143 00:06:16.745 --> 00:06:18.445 or relationships or just rest. 144 00:06:19.195 --> 00:06:21.525 Pick one boundary to experiment with next month. 145 00:06:21.895 --> 00:06:24.685 Maybe it's setting a hard stop on emails after 6:00 PM 146 00:06:25.185 --> 00:06:27.085 or taking a midday walk to recharge. 147 00:06:28.165 --> 00:06:29.995 Small changes can have a huge impact 148 00:06:30.055 --> 00:06:31.235 on your overall wellbeing. 149 00:06:31.585 --> 00:06:34.275 When you take the time to reflect on these four areas, 150 00:06:34.665 --> 00:06:36.355 clarity, growth, impact, 151 00:06:36.375 --> 00:06:38.835 and balance, you're not just auditing your career, 152 00:06:39.375 --> 00:06:40.675 you're investing in yourself. 153 00:06:41.875 --> 00:06:43.955 Remember, this isn't about reinventing who you are. 154 00:06:44.385 --> 00:06:47.195 It's about fine tuning where you're going, celebrating 155 00:06:47.255 --> 00:06:49.715 how far you've come, and setting yourself up for a strong 156 00:06:49.715 --> 00:06:51.195 and purposeful 2025. 157 00:06:52.345 --> 00:06:53.885 If this exercise feels helpful, 158 00:06:54.215 --> 00:06:55.725 share it with a friend or colleague. 159 00:06:55.945 --> 00:06:58.165 You never know whose career might benefit from a little 160 00:06:58.165 --> 00:06:59.605 reflection and inspiration. 161 00:07:00.185 --> 00:07:02.485 And if your team or workplace could use a boost in 162 00:07:02.485 --> 00:07:03.645 activation, engagement, 163 00:07:03.665 --> 00:07:05.565 or clarity, you know where to find me, 164 00:07:05.815 --> 00:07:09.165 shoot me a note at rachel@leadabovenoise.com. 165 00:07:10.305 --> 00:07:12.395 Join me next week for another great episode. 166 00:07:12.885 --> 00:07:15.835 Until then, visit my website@leadabovenoise.com. 167 00:07:16.255 --> 00:07:18.435 If your workplace could use an activation boost, 168 00:07:18.585 --> 00:07:20.275 whether it's a bootcamp, a keynote, 169 00:07:20.375 --> 00:07:21.835 or a pulse check you choose, 170 00:07:22.495 --> 00:07:25.235 you can follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 171 00:07:25.455 --> 00:07:26.995 or wherever you listen to podcasts. 172 00:07:27.375 --> 00:07:30.195 Thanks so much for listening and have a successful week. 173 00:07:30.455 --> 00:07:32.675 Modern Mentor is a quick and Dirty Tips podcast. 174 00:07:33.265 --> 00:07:35.075 It's audio engineered by Dan Farb Bend. 175 00:07:35.375 --> 00:07:37.555 Our director of podcasts is Brandon Getches. 176 00:07:37.895 --> 00:07:40.195 Our podcast and advertising operations specialist 177 00:07:40.255 --> 00:07:41.395 is Morgan Christensen. 178 00:07:41.775 --> 00:07:44.275 Our digital operations specialist is Holly Hutchings. 179 00:07:44.535 --> 00:07:47.155 Our marketing and publicity associate is Dina Tomlin, 180 00:07:47.295 --> 00:07:49.795 and our marketing contractor is Nathaniel Hoops.