Luck. Coincidence. Fate. Or Choice?

More important than what you choose
is what you choose not to choose.

Recently, I said to a friend that I have been very lucky to be able to travel half the world through my work. To experience many cultures not only as a guest, but to be in daily connection with people on the ground, accompanied and introduced by locals. I have been able to gather incredible experiences and special moments.

He replied immediately:
“This has nothing to do with luck. Never say that. You achieved this.”

He was so clear and so convinced that I immediately understood.
Yes, it was not luck.
It was choice.
Above all through what I did choose, not to choose.

>>>The first real job I was offered at a law firm in Zurich, I turned down because it did not feel aligned. One month later, I was offered an assistant position in London – which was exciting and full of possibilities.

>>>In 2013, I wanted to return to Asia. I applied for roles in Singapore and actually received an offer. I declined. It would have allowed me to live in Singapore, but it would not have offered any professional development. In my future position, I travelled regularly to Singapore. And to this day, it is one of my absolute favourite cities.

>>>In 2014, I was offered a position at Red Bull, where I would have worked, among other places, in Japan and Brazil. I declined because I did not feel valued in this large corporation. In my next role, I was able to build a career within a supportive and appreciative team – and travel half the world. In Brazil, I was blessed not with one, but with several families.

I could go on.
Up to the point where I stand today.
And you know what?

It does not always feel good to turn down what appears perfect.
The applause is missing.
The security.
The global brand.
The shiny city.
The impressive job title.
Also known as: the next shiny object.

Sometimes it even feels really sh**t.
for a period of time.

And yet, again and again, it leads me to where I belong.
To my very personal happiness.
To my real shiny object.

Because there is absolutely nothing wrong with shiny.
Actually I love shiny.
The only question is: does your heart want it, or your ego?

My ego was – and still is today – often unhappy with my choices.
And yet we are invited, in the small and in the big, to choose:

• which places do not serve us
• which words are not ours
• which conversations we no longer want to contribute to
• which relationships no longer carry heartfelt connection and appreciation

What we choose, and what we choose not to choose, shapes the future of tomorrow.

What do you choose, not to choose for yourself, your family your team or your organisation?

MARINA&TEAM