Unlocking Career Wisdom from the Wizarding World of Hogwarts
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Chapter 1: Embracing Your Aspirations
"Reflect on a significant memory. Make it the most joyful one you can recall." — Harry Potter
Happy New Year! I wonder how many of you kicked off 2022 with a Harry Potter marathon like we did. Staying in our pajamas and binge-watching was a delightful way to spend the day. We celebrated the 20th anniversary reunion, and while my husband and I weren't quite the right age to appreciate it back then, our three kids stumbled upon it in early 2020, and now we're all enchanted by it.
So much so, in fact, that we surprised the kids with a trip to Hogwarts—aka Universal Florida—right before Winter Break. This was our first getaway since fall 2019, and we wanted it to be memorable.
Naturally, I conducted extensive research, made reservations, and organized as much as I could. Nevertheless, it was my vacation too, so after all the planning, I allowed myself to relax and immerse in their excitement. I aimed to experience everything through their eyes and cherish quality moments with my favorite people during the holiday season.
This brings us to the first career lesson.
Lesson #1: Identify Your Primary Objectives
Regarding our trip to Hogwarts, we had three primary goals that guided our experience:
- Participate in the wand ceremony (three times!)
- Ride every Harry Potter attraction at least once
- Sample butterbeer in both hot and frozen forms
For parents with children who adore Harry Potter, you’re likely familiar with Ollivander's wand selection process, and thus, the anxiety of ensuring all three kids were chosen. Thankfully, all three were selected, which was a huge relief!
When considering your career, you can apply the same approach. Set three overarching goals that would make this phase of your career a triumph.
While it may seem straightforward for a vacation—specific dates and a defined location—strive to approach your career with a similar clarity. Define a specific timeframe—perhaps the next 6, 12, or 18 months—and a concrete place—your current job or a new venture—and choose three goals that, if accomplished, would signify success for you.
You don’t need to capture every aspiration or extend your timeline too far, as a broader view introduces more variables. For instance, if you're contemplating a career pivot this year, establish three goals beforehand and reevaluate later. Simplification will help narrow your focus.
For example, two decades ago, when challenged by my coach, my goals were:
- Double my income
- Travel extensively
- Build a reputable brand
I was in the sports industry and seeking change, which eventually led me to HBO for over a decade. Notice that I didn’t specify the industry, title, or salary—which might contradict conventional wisdom about setting specific, measurable goals.
There's a time for that, but for this exercise, you're navigating the balance between logic and intuition, remaining open to opportunities as they arise. It's essential to identify your wish list while allowing for organic growth. An excessive focus on a single target may inadvertently limit your potential by obscuring even better possibilities.
It’s natural for your criteria to evolve over time. Today, as a business owner, my wish list is vastly different:
- Spend unlimited time with family
- Make a positive impact in the world
- Achieve creative, financial, and geographical freedom
Choose goals that resonate with your current life stage, values, and personal growth. While this exercise may seem simple, referring back to it during pivotal moments can inspire and personalize your journey.
Chapter 2: Crafting Your Journey Strategy
The first video showcases Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery Tlsq: Career Days at Hogwarts Part 3 of 4 playthrough, offering insights into character development and strategic choices made during the journey.
The second lesson for career growth is to create a strategic approach to your professional journey.
Just as rides in a theme park have varying height requirements and wait times, career paths come with different challenges and opportunities. Families have diverse preferences—some thrill-seekers, some more relaxed.
The key is to tailor your strategy to suit your unique circumstances and the individuals you work with.
If you're an entrepreneur, your strategy is your unique offering—what makes your business stand out. As an executive, it's about your leadership style and the culture you cultivate. For employees, it’s about your reputation for collaboration and contribution.
Having a clear strategy empowers you to navigate your career in a way that aligns with your values and desired experiences.
Lesson #3: Maximizing Your Investment
The third lesson from our Hogwarts adventure is about ensuring you get your money's worth.
Theme park vacations can be quite pricey, and even with all the tips and discounts, the costs add up. It's not just about enjoyment; it’s about understanding what makes the expenditure worthwhile.
In your career, there are three ways to ensure you receive value:
- Financial Viability: Your salary and benefits should align with your lifestyle goals. If you’re not earning enough, it’s a mathematical concern that needs addressing.
- Portfolio of Work: Reflect on the body of work you’re creating. Are you developing skills and producing tangible results? Continuous improvement is crucial.
- Purposeful Career Choices: Regardless of your current role, it should help you progress toward your long-term aspirations. If your current position lacks that connection, it may be time to reassess.
Imagine what it’s like to transform a story into a movie and then into a beloved theme park experience. Allow that vision to motivate you. Your career should embody your beliefs and passions.
If you find your current role stifling or misaligned with your goals, it’s time to recalibrate. You deserve a fulfilling career that ignites your passion, and if you don’t have that, now is the perfect moment to initiate a change.
The second video features NEW YEAR 3 ADVENTURE!!! Career Days at Hogwarts Part 1, showcasing the excitement of new beginnings and opportunities for growth.