Build the Future Before It Arrives

December has a way of testing your stamina

There are so many holiday events in general or travel to spend family time which is so important to me.

December is also one of the busiest times for professional events, too.

This month I committed to more than ten events even while feeling the familiar pull of burnout. (Even writing that last sentence exhausted me.)

I have become better at saying “no” to the things that won’t add to what I’m building, but I will not say no to relationships that move my life forward.

That “yes” to expanding my network has been the most important decision I made all year. Every room I entered introduced me to someone who shifted my thinking, challenged my assumptions, or opened a path I DEFINITELY would not have found on my own. Yet, I kind of did find it on my own because I committed to networking with intention, even though it’s extremely exhausting.

Progress often shows up first in the people before it shows up in the results. Y’all know how I feel about people.

My own experience has felt a lot like stepping into an Alice in Wonderland moment

I opened one door, which led to another, which led to another. And just like Alice, each adventure gave me new curiosities.

So much of it was unexpected in the best way possible. It has been surreal and I love it.

Yes, it is tiring. Yes, the pace is overwhelming.

But the excitement is real too. There is something powerful about realizing you are standing in the exact places that position you for your next level.

Momentum does not always feel glamorous. Sometimes it feels like late nights, long days, and showing up even when your energy is thin. That IS momentum and it is still progress.

You build your future in real time

You build it while life is full.

You build it by showing up when it would be easier to rest. Most of all, you build it by saying yes to the relationships that elevate your trajectory.

The secret sauce will always be people. If you need help, guidance, or need to be the one opening doors for others, if you ever want to collapse time on your success, it will be those in your network. That’s why I’ll forever be Alice in Wonderland.

Pick one relationship from this month that you want to deepen. Reach out today. Send a message. Extend a conversation. Make the connection real.

Make today jealous of tomorrow.

Amber,
If you want tips on networking effectively, I’ve got you. Just reach out directly!