Purpose Beyond Uniform

Purpose Beyond Uniform

I stood, staring at the clothes that hung in the closet, different color suits, shirts, belts, and shoes staring back at me. I was paralyzed by indecision; I simply did not know which articles of clothing to grab and I was running out of time to start my drive to the location for my interview.

In truth this went beyond indecision and the Tiger was roaring loudly with a mocking undertone that had me ill at ease. I am sure that some of you have experienced this from time to time in your life; however, I would also say that save for a smaller subset of the population you have not experienced what I was going through that morning.

To clarify why the experience that morning was much deeper and more impactful for myself and a smaller subset of the population; I had just transitioned to the “Civilian” workforce after a very successful 24 year career in the U.S. Navy. I was experiencing, for the first time since I was in high school a very new environment and all of the structure that I had grown accustomed to was suddenly gone.

For 24 years, the U.S. Navy had provided me with what I needed to wear each day and for each situation. I knew exactly what went together and how to wear it (having survived many uniform inspections).

As I stared into the closet I was facing a new world and the reality was, I simply didn’t know which suit, shirt, belt and shoes went together.

Thankfully my teenage daughter was home and was able to help me quickly put together the clothes I would need and while doing so, she helped me to come up with a way to remember what matched; it was to simply consider that the suit, was my civilian uniform.

Whether you are someone who is transitioning from military service after a few years or someone who is transitioning after a career that spans 20 or more years; you have likely been through similar experiences when the environment you lived and worked in suddenly changed and it changed drastically.

The sudden loss of structure, predictability, and purpose can lead to a profound loss of identity which has further impact on all aspects of their life as they move toward an uncertain future.

Shifting the focus slightly and without in any way diminishing the challenges faced by a person transitioning from military service, these same experiences can be felt and affect those who are transitioning to a new living location, a new role or new company, a new career field, and any number of changes that affect how we see ourself and how we view our place in the world around us.

That is one area where coaching can help to smooth out the bumpy transitions in life.

Coaching is not a replacement for counseling or therapy with a mental health professional; however, a coach, especially one that has been through a similar experience can be invaluable in navigating the transition to help you emerge with Clarity, Confidence and Commitment to the future of your dreams.

A passionate desire to help those in transition, especially following military service, was the bedrock on which Tiger Tamers was created. To share my knowledge, my experience, my failures and my successes in a focused effort to help you through the transitions you are experiencing in life.

Through the H.E.A.R.T. of the Tiger and Human Connection Transformation we will co-create together; smooth some of the transition bumps and bring your dream into the light. It is a path where you face your Tigers through Hope, Renewal and Reconnection. Reconnection with yourself and with the world around you.

As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th, I am truly grateful for all who have served before me, who served with me, who serve today and who will serve into the future. Those who answered the higher calling in life.

I also encourage you, my fellow veterans, to make at least one phone call to another veteran, just to say “Hi.” Checking in with each other is a great way for all of us to support one another through life’s transitions.

Quote of The Week:

“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.”
— Archilochus

That is the Tiger that I refer to and the idea of creating the metaphor for the Tiger came from Jim Lawless in his book, Taming Tigers.   

It’s fear and self-doubt dressed up as protection, convincing us to stay safe instead of stepping forward and growing. The Tiger is loud, convincing and relentless, but here’s the truth: it only has the power we give it.

Every time you step forward in spite of that roar, you weaken its grip and strengthen your own. That is what Tiger Letters are all about, sharing knowledge, experience, fears and inner strength to make your dreams a reality.

So, the next time your Tiger ROARS, smile at it, step forward reclaiming your power and break through the fear barrier into your growth zone.

Before you go, here is ONE way you can work with me.

Book your FREE Kickstart Call with me - 1:1 performance coaching to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination—so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Until next time!
The Tiger Is Inside You.