What’s My “Sell By” Date?

In the aftermath of a particularly trying meeting with her CEO, a very successful leader recently confided in me. Frustration, sadness, and a nagging sense of self-doubt clouded her thoughts. Her question to me: "How do I know my ‘sell by’ date?"

After the fateful conversation with her CEO, she was convinced that she was on the proverbial chopping block. She felt like the company was outgrowing her. She wondered if she should take matters into her own hands and start looking for a new job. She was even considering leaving her job without anything else lined up.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been asked about a hypothetical “sell by date”. These discussions typically follow negative experiences where individuals feel undervalued, misunderstood, or somehow stuck. There’s underlying frustration, sadness, and anxiety—and an overwhelming desire to escape. To run from.

Reframe and Regain Control

But let's pause here for a moment. It's easy to understand the impulse to flee when faced with adversity. After all, who wouldn't want to escape a situation that feels bad? Yet, running from is the exact opposite of what we should do in these situations. Instead, it’s critical to clarify what you're ultimately running to.

The difference between running from and running to is the difference between relinquishing control and firmly taking hold of your choices, aspirations, and values.

Running towards something—whether it's embracing a fresh challenge, seizing a new opportunity, or redefining how you're treated—is far more empowering than simply running away.

Know What Drives You

Of course, running to requires knowing what you’re working towards—the big aspiration that drives you. And that’s sometimes easier said than done. It’s easy to get a bit complacent when you’re happily ensconced in a job or company. Then, one day, something rocks your world, and you wonder, “What am I doing here?” It might be a frustrating conversation, being left out of a key meeting, or feeling passed over for a promotion. These moments of uncertainty often serve as wake-up calls, urging us to reevaluate our goals and reignite our sense of purpose.

Three Key Questions to Shape Your Path

To get clarity on what you want, ask yourself these three questions:

• What am I working towards?

• What skills, experiences, and connections do I need to get there?

• How can I acquire more of those things?

Once you've honed in on your goals, you can take control and shape your path forward. You may discover that you can acquire some of the skills, experiences, and connections needed to progress towards your goal without having to switch roles or companies. Or maybe not. Regardless of the outcome, the simple act of clarifying your intentions will grant you a newfound sense of control and ownership over your career—and your life. 

There are No “Sell By” Dates

If you feel like your company is outgrowing you, I’d encourage you to consider whether it may be you who is outgrowing your company. You should always feel like you are gaining ground towards your goals. That doesn’t mean there won’t be days (or weeks) when you feel frustrated or unfulfilled. But on the balance, you should feel like you are moving forward, running to.

Remember, there's never just one route to your destination; and success rarely follows a straight line. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to our growth and development. By staying true to your aspirations and continually honing your skills and experiences while building your network, you can navigate any uncertainty with confidence and resilience. Your journey is yours to shape, and the possibilities are endless.

Ready to Take Control of Your Career?

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