Distilling my career wisdom

A few years ago, I wrote a manifesto about my own career (side note about the word “manifesto” - it means an outline of intention and deep belief, so even though it became famous several years ago for the deranged ramblings of a terrorist, I’d like to reclaim the word), and I thought it might offer you some insight about my approach career work if I put it here. I have a prettier version of it as a pdf, but here’s the raw text:

I create my career.
Not the economy, not the job market, not the whims of employers.

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My security comes from within.
I am resilient, resourceful, and smart enough to harvest the learning
from my mistakes and my trials and put them to work for me.

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Money is simply an exchange of value for value.
I recognize the value that I generate,
and I integrate and absorb my own and others’ value with gratitude.

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Compassion, particularly self-compassion, is a cornerstone of my career and my life.

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The most important question I need to ask, and answer is,
“Who do I want to show up as right now?”

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My emotional experience is as important as any other dimension of my career.
I am willing to feel discomfort, disgust, sorrow, pain, shame, hurt, and anger
alongside surprise, joy, humor, contentment, thrills, trust, pride, and generosity.

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When I release control over things that aren’t in my domain, amazing things happen.

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I give and receive support, and sometimes it comes packaged in ways no one expects.
When I feel lost, my best haven is getting curious about others and listening to their journeys
so that I can chart my own course by accessing their wisdom.

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Boundaries serve to protect me and communicate my needs and desires to others.
They’re a healthy part of my work life. I construct my boundaries with both my words and my behavior.

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I balance my input channel, which includes abundant learning and connection (both internal and external),
with my creative outflow, my offerings and contributions to the world.

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When I recognize, allow, and steward my own thoughts and emotions,
I’ve disarmed my greatest adversary on my journey.

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When I operate from the premise that I belong, and my tribe supports me,
I find power and direction from deep within me.