Your life's work can change

I’ve observed a growing concern among those who blazed a trail early. Of the many choices they are confronted with, these two stand out:

They can choose to hold on to the image of themselves everyone knows and keep doing what got them the limelight. Or they can redefine what they choose to do next, even if it’s unpopular.

It looks like an easy decision, but it isn’t. It’s simple and not often easy. I know this because I lived this. I’ve had conversations with many who identify with this experience. And I have younger friends and siblings who will soon be confronted with this reality.

“Versions of you will keep changing. What matters to me is not the version I know now. It is the knowledge that though you change, though your work changes, the real you inside is who I love. The outputs that come from you, and the laurels are just bonuses.”

That was a note I wrote to myself many years ago. It might be helpful to remember this.

Each work we create is a snowflake in an avalanche. It has the potential to multiply and compound even when the old and new ‘you’ have little in common.

[Addition] You don’t have to blaze a trail early for the above to be true. You still can make the choice today.