Practicing and Knowing When It’s Time

The most recent offering from Seth Godin, in printed form, is The Practice. Written in a series of 219 short essays, you can read it start to finish, or open the book at any point and absorb great knowledge.

The concept that grabbed me right away, and stuck with me throughout was Askida Ekmek: bread on the hook. When someone buys bread at the local bakery, they can choose to buy an extra loaf, and the loaf goes “on the hook” for anyone in need to ask for the loaf. As Seth relates this to the process of creating work, he says: 

“When you choose to produce creative work, you’re solving a problem. Not just for you, but for those who will encounter what you’ve made. By putting yourself on the hook, you’re performing a generous act. You are sharing insight and love and magic. And the more it spreads, the more it’s worth to all of those who are lucky enough to experience your contribution.” -Seth Godin, The Practice

Something I have wrestled with is launching something imperfectly. I’ve been talking about the idea of #LeavingWell, in the context of the workplace, for years. Originally penned by Jerry Jones in the container of expats and living overseas, it resonated so much as I returned to the workforce in 2014 after living overseas myself.

Every time I mentioned the idea to those I worked with and to my managers, it really landed. When folks started asking me to write it down, explain how it worked, talk more about why it mattered so much, I shied away because I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t positive I could do the concept justice, or honor the power of the ripple effect that could come from more people adopting it as normal. 

Another issue stopping me from putting this work out into the world was my feelings of imposter syndrome. I have a tendency to chase learning and knowledge, so during the summer of 2022, I participated in the Interim Executive Academy from Third Sector. The eight-week session was right in the midst of our multiple cross-country moves, but I was committed to having that deep-dive into the work of transitional leadership and interim knowledge. I soaked up everything offered during the course, and … learned that traditional interim leadership is definitely not for me (I have recommendations for amazing folks if you need someone!). What I also learned was that where I could best be of service was to double down on the concept of transitional support and healthy leaving practices. It’s not being talked about in mainstream circles of leadership, so while I know in my gut that it’s important, imposter complex / imposter syndrome kept creeping up because I didn’t have much of anything to mirror whether I was on the right track.

“Yes, you’re an imposter. But you’re an imposter acting in service of generosity, seeking to make things better. The imposter is proof that we’re innovating, leading, and creating.”  -Seth Godin, The Practice

Whew! For more on the imposter complex and imposter syndrome, I highly recommend Tanya Geisler’s work and the work of Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin and Dr. Rich Orbe-Austin.

I had a gut feeling that it was time to lean in, so I mentioned to a few friends that I was getting ready to launch #LeavingWell and asked them to keep me in mind if they knew anyone in need of career transition support, specifically in the nonprofit world. Immediately, one person responded that she did in fact know someone! Three months later, this referred client successfully navigated through not only her own personal transition needs - as she left her executive director position - but also shored up the structure of the organization (and protected organizational assets at the same time), and prioritized the needs of the team that stayed behind. 

I don’t believe that there is one magical moment when you’ll “know it’s time.” I think instead, it’s a series of small affirmations and confirmations that lead you to the awareness that a decision is now necessary. For me, I often know it’s time after many conversations with those who love and know me best, and after small tests of the water. Dipping my toe in, practicing the launch of the boat, slowly acclimating myself to the thing I believe might be next.

There is not one magical moment when you’ll “know it’s time.” Instead, it’s a series of small affirmations and confirmations that lead you to the awareness that a decision is now necessary. -Naomi Hattaway

I offer that if you are in the midst of your own decision matrix, try not to wait for the big moment when you suddenly know it’s time. Pay attention to the small inquiries and opportunities to collect data on the subject matter. Consider practicing the art of signaling (Nilofer Merchant) and mentally record the ripples that bounce back to you, indicating the viability of what you’re seeking to shift, do, be, decide.

“The practice is there if we’re willing to sign up for it. And the practice will open the door to the change you seek to make.”  -Seth Godin

I’m putting myself on the hook with the launch of #LeavingWell. I believe in the power of implementing the practice of leaving well into the way we show up for work, and in prioritizing it - intentionally - in the way we say goodbye to the various ways we impact the world.

“There’s no manual, no proven best practices, no established rulebook. The very nature of innovation is to act as if - to act as if you’re on to something, as if it’s going to work, as if you have a right to be here. Along the way, you can discover what doesn’t work on your way to finding out what does.”  Seth Godin, The Practice (page 29)

Suggested Reading:

The Practice - Seth Godin (book)

Tend to the socks , Tanya Geisler (blog post)

Your Unstoppable Greatness - Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin and Dr. Rich Orbé-Austin (book)

Ten Ways to Own Your Greatness - Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin (blog post)

#LeavingWell - learn more about my consulting practice