It’s so easy to take what we do for granted and when we look to others for help it can be even harder to acknowledge what they can do for us. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Often, Ben, Fiona, or Laura will ask:

‘any WINS?’

To many, this may translate as:

‘have you landed that killer contract yet?’

And perhaps that is your ‘WHY’. Certainly, it’s a goal, but sometimes it’s best to take a step back and reflect on the small wins. Every incremental step you take on your journey, no matter how small, is a win.

Ridiculous and preposterous as it may seem, a small win for me was to cut my hair, take a photo of myself and post myself on LinkedIn. The shame of it all, a man nearing his midlife point, starting at zero.

But that’s the beauty of it; that’s the beauty of being part of the portfolio-collective community. It’s a level playing field. Sure, there may be high flying CEO’s and seasoned professionals who have been there and earnt the t-shirt, but equally there are many more personalities at different stages of their career.

At first, I was reluctant to join. Much in the same way as not posting a LinkedIn profile, I was embarrassed. My career path was unconventional; I was a square peg in a round hole. I didn’t fit the 9-5 corporate ladder. It was only after some badgering from a close friend that I decided to join up. He could see I was lonely, lacking clarity in direction, with only four walls to bounce my ideas off.

So, what’s my ‘WIN’?

My biggest WIN is taking the plunge; having the courage in my conviction to make a positive change to my career. The other wins I have to dig deep for. I don’t have a glossy contract with future stability and a secured income path, but what I do have is a renewed sense of spirit and determination.

They say:

‘you only get out of life what you put into it’

And this is the same for the portfolio collective. Don’t sign up thinking this is a green card to instant success. But do sign up if you are looking for a fresh knew approach, one that is both welcoming and challenging. The wins will come in their own time; it’s down to you to acknowledge them. Dig deep and you will realise just how many small wins you have made.

I’m not writing this because I’m being paid; I’m writing this because within a community you share things. Receive love, you give love. Receive knowledge, you share knowledge. I believe you would be hard pushed to find a professional collective community, which is not as open to share their extensive knowledge and passion to help you succeed in your future, be it a portfolio career or not.

My catapult experience has changed me immeasurably. When I reflect on my small wins, I now acknowledge that it has forced me outside my comfort zone and challenged me to be the man I will be, rather than the man I was dreaming of becoming.

I’ve now added ‘portfolio collective’ to my list of 15 success factors beginning with P. I recommend you do the same!