Missing from Wendi’s life and career was excitement, appreciation and meaningful connections to people. When I first met Wendi she shared,”I've been where I am so long and never thought about how to articulate what skills I bring to the table or what environment I’d like to be in”.
As our work evolved she was able to decipher how she wanted to grow at work and what she wanted to take on next in her life. She said,”It was good to go through that reflection. At work, I’ve taken on more of a leadership role. I’m more objective, anticipate the needs of others and communicate in such a way that's not intimidating. I feel wiser!”
After we did the Future Self visualization Wendi came out of it and burst out with excitement and conviction,”I want to create an experience for children and adults that educates them on “‘life is a performance.”
She sat back and reflected on the words now that they had escaped from her mind and mouth and were now out there in the world.
I told her,”I hear you! It’s so loud and clear.”
She laughed and her shoulders relaxed and said ,”that thought is no longer held prisoner, but I’m also scared. This is real.”
It is real because she declared it! I heard her. We explored the depths of where this desire came from and what it really means to her. It was in fact, REAL. The secret was out and it was time to tell others about it, too. I encouraged her to start sharing it with her family and friends as much as possible. Our words make it a reality and opportunities show up as people hear us.
And of course she’s scared! She’s heading into new territory. Thoughts like, “how am I going to pull this off with my day job? I have to write it. I have to find a place to hold it, find the actors, do the readings, market it, make a website, fill the seats, etc.”
Her Inner critics automatically perked up and say,”RED ALERT!! Time to go on duty! A new experience is on the horizon. We don’t want to see Wendi get hurt, embarrassed and fail. We must keep her safe and find all the reasons in the book to keep her safe at her job. We can’t let her rock the boat.”
And on and on they will go!
Having a plan usually tames the Inner Critics. So Wendi and I got to work. We worked on the more tactile pieces of building a solid 12 month plan.
6 months later she wrote and produced and successfully launched her first Off Broadway play. 6 months after that she left her 20+ year career in Sales, found a new less demanding job so she could launch her 2nd Off Broadway play to a sold out audience!
Reflecting back on the year she shares, “Overall, I have a more positive mindset and I learned how to work against a deadline in theatre with a whole new outlook on life. I have the confidence to make decisions and be ok with those decisions and not be afraid that it won't work. I feel calmer and less stressed because now I’m fine with watching the process naturally unfold”.
Having a Big Vision is meant to inspire you as big and small challenges come up. In declaring it to others holds you accountable and I know that you stay true to your word!
For Wendi, there were times during the year where the venue fell through or an actor didn’t show up for rehearsal or a producer pulled funding.
She said that she would frequently refer back to her Big Vision,”I want to create an experience for children and adults that educates them on “‘life is a performance”, which inspired her to keep going despite the challenges.
Wendi started declaring it to anyone who'd listen and sure enough, she found a business partner. That was it, game on!
“Before, doing theater just lived in my mind until I just decided to do it. Of course there was a fear, but I learned to work through it. The need to do theatre had finally been validated”.
Having a big vision lights the way especially In times of doubt when the Inner Critics gets really loud, a place to come back to for inspiration and when you need that extra burst of energy.
Declaring the Big Vision to others opens up new possibilities with whoever you share it with.
Wendi shares about her journey,”I am so proud of myself and I have a new life and it’s definitely not what I thought it would be of a year ago!”
About the Author.
Kori Burkholder is a career transition and creativity coach, artist and co-founder of VitaminR, a well-being and creative innovation company. Kori has an extensive background in the creative, marketing, and entertainment fields from E! Entertainment to BBDO Advertising to TVT Records and has successfully transitioned careers many times over the last 20+ years. Kori now loves helping others find and transition into new careers that are more purposeful and aligned with who they are at the core. As the Founder of Inspirality, Transformational Creative Experiences, she’s been bringing groups of people together to transform their dreams into reality since 2012. Learn more about Kori: https://koriburkholder.com
Beginning January 25, Kori will be leading the 4 part series, PAINT YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY at Wainwright House. Learn more here