5 More Life Strategies: Lessons from the Camino de Santiago, Part 4

Thanks for taking this journey with me. The previous three articles shared twelve lessons that the Camino de Santiago taught me about living more fully in my personal and professional life. This is the last of a four-part series that highlight 17 lessons on how to help guide us during those times when we may be a bit overwhelmed or anxious about which path to take in our professional (and personal) lives.

By now, you probably remember that the Camino de Santiago (aka “The Way of St. James”) is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Over 1,000 years old, it includes a number of routes that all lead to Santiago de Compostela in honor of St. James. Some people go for religious reasons, other for spiritual, others for personal. My month walking 800 kilometers from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port in southern France to Santiago in western Spain walking an average of 25 km a day on the Camino Frances route certainly put into perspective many lessons and reminders to take with me in my everyday life.

Life Strategies

These lessons emphasize the need to truly find our own Way – and to honor the reality that we all have different paths to take, not to be afraid to carve our own, and not to worry about following everyone else. Here are five additional ways to help us find our own way:

13.Lesson #13: Don’t lose sight of passion
Remember what gets you excited to wake up: think back to childhood, your hobbies, when you are most relaxed.

Find ways to work or play with your passions: not all of us can work full-time with all our passions, so find outlets to do so.

Remain open to how your passions and interests change: be open-minded to how you change and grow. Embrace new passions.

14. Lesson #14: Take risks & welcome change
Be adventurous: see the world, learn about it.

Try something different: to change is to grow. Step outside of your comfort zone.

Assess what you want, what you can do, and what you need to take that step: each step gets you closer.

15. Lesson #15: Take pride in your work

Take ownership of your work: it’s not helpful to anyone by trying to minimize your role.

Be proud, not boastful, of your achievements: recognize what you have done, don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Acknowledge your role and agency, and acknowledge help you received: remain humble and recognize those who helped you on your journey.

16. Lesson #16: Go beyond the world’s end

Even when you “get there,” push yourself further: don’t just complete the assignment, go above and beyond.

Stand out: you can be easily overlooked otherwise.

Don’t be afraid of the unknown: find the courage to do what others might be afraid to.

17. Lesson #17: There are many roads

You walk with people, but you walk alone: it’s your path, your journey, only you can walk it.

This was first published on www.Hummingbirdrcc.com.

Dr. Belinda Chiu is a social change strategist, coach, and facilitator. Like you, she believes that everyone has the transformational ability to reach their potential and beyond. Dr. Chiu incorporates a practice of mindfulness to help individuals harness their natural strengths, achieve results, and carve their own paths towards professional fulfillment. She writes regularly on her website, Hummingbird research coaching consulting.

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