XIPE: The Corporate Gap Year and Professional Renewal

All In The Challenge - Haciendo De Tripas Corazón!

Why is it that some of us live for a good challenge? 

When we apply for an opportunity, we look for growth, development, we seek to master something new. For some, it may be about money, titles, prestige. Still, to the clear-minded and intentional corporate warrior, it is about the challenge, it is about transcending and becoming the best, most well-rounded version of themselves.

I distinctively recall when I first realized math was an innate talent of mine. My grammar school-administered tests that identified the ‘gifted.’ Not that this meant much, in a poor, inner-city school, lacking funds for ‘gifted’ programs. The results of this test was something we ‘knew,’ rather than something we honed. Math class was a breeze, my parents knew the why behind it. Math was my super-power. It was a pleasant situation for me, I didn’t have to put forth too much effort to succeed in this coursework, a good thing I had going on for sure, that is until I started college and was asked to choose a major. When this question came up, it was evident I would study math, what else? 

This is where my personal challenge came into play, I would major in history. I love history, even when writing is not my forte. I know, counter-intuitive, but love won.

Huitzilopochtli (the Aztec god of will power, audacity and commitment), in all its good sense, led me to choose the path of that which I wished to have as part of my life: history, people, writing, my personal passions - even when their mastery is a continued struggle. 

There were times when I wished I would have committed to math, taking the path of least resistance. It would have been the natural, most profitable path available. Nothing, I mean, nothing wrong with taking that path, for me, though, I wanted to focus my life on my loves. You see, there is power in doing what our heart desires while being challenged to be the very best version of oneself. 

My affinity for math got me through many financial sheets and business plans. My love for history has taught me about leadership and people. Huitzilopochtli was right. I dared to go against my personal grain, and this choice has led me to this life I thoroughly enjoy. 

Don’t be afraid of challenges, even when these go against your natural talents. Be open to learning and make growth happen. No greater reward and sense of accomplishment than committing to your development and wellbeing.

Stream of Thought

Audacious,

and courageous,

walking on the earth,

choosing routes,

in the natural,

analytical,

it's really,

all quite sensical.

Renegade, raise your hand,

insist on what you love,

it’s a challenge, it’s a dare,

it's the ancestors’ reverberation.

The flowers of my life,

the songs within my heart,

the challenge in the thinking,

the summons in the knowing,

bringing on the flame,

the flowery, the festive,

flor y canto giving way,

to the warriors’ aspirations.

Reminding to commit,

wisdom ink,

all the red and the black,

saturating this,

splattered,

till the end of times.