Kintsugi: The Japanese Art of Repairing and Thriving in Your Mid-Career
You may have heard of Ikigai, but have you heard of Kintsugi? A few years ago, I came across this beautiful concept. In Japanese culture, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, called Kintsugi, is considered a reflection of life itself.
The philosophy behind this practice can be applied to many aspects of life, including career. This post will explore how Kitsugi can help individuals in their mid-career phase.
The concept of Kitsugi: Kitsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold or other precious metals, making it even more beautiful. Taken in a philosophical sense, it symbolizes the idea that someone can transform flaws and imperfections into strengths and that we can learn and grow from our mistakes.
As the saying goes, "Success comes from experience. And experience comes from failing." So it is not over if you have failed or broken the jar. You start over, but with the experience of the mistake. And knowledge is golden.
The mid-career phase: The mid-career phase is a time when many individuals start to feel stuck or unfulfilled in their careers. So many of my awesome clients feel defeated when mid-career a layoff happens. Or they feel stagnant in their current position. They may feel like they need to make progress or use their skills to their full potential, but for some reason or another, they don't feel like they can. l. This is a common experience, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of the road! That is where Kintsugi comes into the equation.
Applying Kitsugi to your mid-career phase: Just like how broken pottery is repaired with gold, individuals in their mid-career phase can also use their past experiences and mistakes to improve and grow. Here are some ways to apply Kitsugi to your career:
Embrace your flaws and imperfections: Instead of trying to hide your weaknesses, embrace them and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Look for opportunities to learn: Seek out new challenges and opportunities to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities. New skills open doors and can help you stay engaged and motivated in your career.
Take risks: Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. This can help you escape a rut and discover new passions and interests. Taking risks is arguably the scariest part of being in your mid-career phase. Mortgages, children, and other responsibilities make the idea of taking risks far less appealing than early career moves.
Connect with others: Build connections with others in your industry or profession. This can help you gain new perspectives and ideas and create new opportunities for growth and development. In this age of online mixers, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms, making connections is easier than ever.
Kitsugi is a powerful philosophy that can help individuals in their mid-career phase. By embracing your flaws and imperfections, seeking out opportunities to learn, taking risks, and building connections with others, you can transform their mid-career phase (mid-career rut?) into a period of growth and thriving.
True, it could be scary. Remember, you might think of your career like a piece of broken pottery, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be repaired and made even more beautiful.