“The master in the art of living
makes little distinction between
her work and her play,
her labor and her leisure,
her mind and her body,
her information and her recreation,
her love and her religion.
She hardly knows which is which,
she simply pursues a vision of excellence
at whatever she does,
leaving others to decide whether she is working or playing.
To her she’s always doing both.”

– excerpt from a James Michener quote (with gender pronouns changed to feminine)

Ah, to always be doing both!! To not separate, compartmentalize, or distinguish at the expense of the other, but rather to flow authentically, to be in our zone. In this age we are in, with many unemployed, or homeschooling for the first time while employed, the lines we draw around all that we do has begun to blur. What matters most to us takes priority because it must. What matters most to us takes priority……because, well, it should. Time is no longer endless in its capacity to allow us to straddle all our roles without congruency.

This time of uncertainty has reignited clearly the value of authenticity, being exactly who we are and who our gifts and abilities has shaped us to be. We have the opportunity of a lifetime, to step back and determine we can be “a master in the art of living” as James Michener describes. We can define who we are, own it, know it – including the gifts and abilities we have, and align our profession with the proven theory that when people are in their “zone”, they succeed (no compartmentalizing necessary)!

My story, An Illustration:

Thirty+ years in Human Resources leadership is a way to describe myself in one dimension. Regardless of hour, day, place or role, however, is what I have come to learn about myself is I am happiest when I am partnering with others to solve challenges and create value. It is in this zone that I thrive, that I do all of the above, where I pursue a vision of excellence that aligns with my purpose – being impactful as a Leader, Friend, Mother, Sister, Confidant and Coach. In this framework, I am always exactly who I am, with the natural ability to transition to the next opportunity to contribute. How this translates specifically to the message I am sharing today is: Once you know what your zone is, you are no longer limited to a title, and industry, a function or a role, because your zone will become your filter in all you do. For me, it evaluates/aligns me to say yes only where I am partnering with others to solve challenges and create value.

As a result of this alignment, while still pursuing various options to continue to work in Human Resources Leadership, I have also begun work in founding an organization dedicated to providing a network of resources to women facing challenges or are in crisis called Women Beyond Breaking. It is in its infancy, with an official roll-out to occur in the late fall. I have stepped beyond my profession, pursuing all areas and opportunities where I can utilize my gifts and be in my zone. “Zone” jobs and opportunities will come. You just have to realize you’ve always had a “Zone” (hint, its where you fill most alive)! It is with this in mind, in this period of transition, in between what was and what is next, I encourage you, too, to evaluate:

What is your “Zone”?

When you’ve been most “successful” in any area of your life, trust me – you’ve been in your zone. Consider and list out your traits and characteristics that shine through no matter what you are pursuing that make you uniquely you.

What has consistently been positive feedback that you have received?

What exactly would you be doing right now that would align all of your experience and abilities with your purpose?

What is holding you back?

Transition is defined as “the process of changing from one thing to another.” Have you stopped to think how many transitions you have been through in your life to arrive where you are today? Whether you like change or not, we’ve all developed methods and coping mechanisms for when change happens. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure or other like fears may be what prohibits your momentum. Did you know fear is not based on FACT, but rather fear is based on BELIEF. What do you need to believe about yourself to move forward? What do you believe your purpose is?

Take steps to move in the direction of your “Zone”:

Given the opportunity to take all that you’ve accomplished and the consistency of impact you have made to date in your life, what would you engage in next? How would you align what you do with who you 100% are? Is this transition actually the opportunity you have been waiting for?

These are the beginning questions that a mentor or Life Coach would explore with you.

It’s time to master the art of living, are you ready?

– Cynthia Primm, Founder, Women Beyond Breaking