Lillian Lincoln Lambert

The last couple of years have been tough times for many people – lost jobs, reduced pay, inability to maintain a standard of living – the list goes on. Some have weathered the storm and others have succumbed to the challenges they faced.

I offer some points to get through difficult times but they are also applicable in good times.

1. Be flexible with your plan. Planning is a tool to serve as a roadmap to get to your destination. It’s good to have a short term as well as a long term plan. However, your plans should not be set in concrete. They should serve as guides to give you direction. As you mature, face challenges, or have a change in the idea of where you want to go there may be the need to alter your plan. It is important to have that option as things change or new opportunities present themselves. Have enough leeway to make those changes and still arrive at your destination.

2. Don’t be afraid to move outside of your comfort zone. If what you have always done is not working, be willing to take calculated risks and try something new. Most people are reluctant to change because of uncertainty or the unfamiliar. While it is much easier to stay with the familiar there may become a time when change is indicated. Your field of expertise may be in a downturn and that may be just the time to look at a new area. Do the necessary research to get information you need to make you more comfortable then make your move.

3. Use your network. When I finished graduate school I was so anxious to get out and leave that environment, I never wanted to look back. Years later, I realized what a mistake that was. Many of my classmates could have been a real resource to me had I made the effort. Maintaining relationships from school, previous employment and even social contacts may pay off in ways you never expect, but you must feed your network.

4. Look on the bright side. Losing that job or not getting that promotion may be the impetus you need to explore other possible opportunities. Occasionally something that seems to be a disaster may actually be a blessing in disguise. I was able to convert my part-time business into a full-time one after I was fired from my full time job. Challenges frequently offer an opportunities and opportunities are likely to have challenges. Uncover them.  Don’t throw a pity party or you may find you are the only one attending.

Dream big, act bold!

When I was first invited to visit a book club to discuss my book “The Road to someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond” which had been selected as their choice for the month, I was somewhat reluctant. I could not quite imagine how that would be beneficial as a part of my very busy book tour events. I accepted the invitation and it was a very wise decision. I have recently completed my third visit with a book club and have enjoyed each one.

Members of the book club have usually purchased the book prior to the meeting and most have read it either in its entirety or at least some of it. Some members bring guests who either already have the book or will purchase one at the meeting.  It was obvious that most members really enjoy reading and they cherish the camaraderie of their fellow club members.

Book clubs have a diverse membership, though those I have visited are all female, but with varied backgrounds and interests. The exciting thing about book clubs is that members get to ask all kinds of questions – questions about things in the book on which they want more detail; questions about things omitted from the book and sometimes questions about things on which I plead “the fifth.  It is amazing the different messages readers get from the book, sometimes messages I was not aware I have sent. Overall, the discussions have all been intriguing.

To top things off, they all served delicious food! I am looking forward to my next book club meeting later this month.

Dream big, Act bold