In any transition, we often focus on the end goal. In my year of leaping into full-time entrepreneurship, I’ve spent a lot of time planning how to successfully complete that transition: personal financial planning, long-term strategy for Compass Yoga, funding, and partnerships that will grow our programming. But there’s an often overlooked detail when we make any change – we need to mind our exit.
Exits can be fast or slow. They can be in phases or a jump with both feet in the air at once. They can be handled with style and grace or they can be botched with anger, disappointment, and resentment. I’m not sure of the speed or pace of my exit from corporate life just yet, but I know I want it be graceful and grateful.
I learned a lot in journey along the corporate road. I worked with some very smart people who spent a lot of time investing in me, as a person and as a professional. My leaving has very little to do with them and everything to do with me – I need to do the work of my life and that work lies in a different direction. There’s no excuse for anything less than grace when I close that door for the very last time.
I thought a lot about endings as Phin and I took our final 2011 walk through Central Park on December 31st. It was a 3-hour venture through the North Woods, and no matter how long the walk, Phineas always wishes it could be longer. It was sunny and mild, ringing in at 55 degrees. Despite all of 2011’s troubles, it found a way to leave a good last impression.
And if a year as tough as 2011 can do that, then so can we.
Christa Avampato 