This is not a negative . It is a simple fact that YOU are the centre of your universe . You have the ability in the palm of your hands to create , to evolve into the most empowering individual you choose to be . And what better way to open up your world , than by opening yourself up to new experiences , new cultures , new challenges that your comfort zone will never ever provide you .
I have learned so much about the people and culture I am now part of every day ( and yet still I am still very much a “ laowai ” or foreigner ). Of even more value , I have learned so much about me , my beliefs , my perspectives , my values . I would never have had this learning opportunity if I stayed in my comfort zone .
Taking my business to a new country , and then online , presented huge challenges . In a new country , I now have to listen more , and not just to the words being spoken ! I have to actually practice what I preach to enable me to communicate at so many different levels , and demonstrate flexibility to lessen misunderstanding and confusion . I have learnt that there is never just “ one way ” of doing things and that my way is very often not the right way !
I have to rely on others in areas that previously I have always maintained full understanding and control ( taxes / policies etc ). I have to fight my own inner feelings of injustice , sexism , and inequality to make short-term gains in a still very unknown world . I have had to question the actual meaning of the words integrity and honesty in a world where these things are seen in shades of grey , not black and white . I live in a world where beauty is skin deep , where most are not interested in digging deeper to find the reality , even when they think they are doing exactly that !
In a country run by control and command , being a boss is a whole new ball game ! People are conditioned to a completely different mindset that is totally opposite from my democratic upbringing . Here , people struggle to make decisions on their own . They are more comfortable with being told what to do . They struggle to speak out about their true feelings , no matter how much you tell them there will be no repercussions . They go out of their way to make you , “ the boss ”, feel good even when 15 it feels so insincere to me . Here , responsibility is thrown around like a hot potato with no one wanting to catch it and take ownership .
And this is only the beginning . Four years here and I am only a baby learning to walk . I have yet to run , leap and jump in my new world . And I know that I am forever evolving . I will master the skills through a whole lot of patience , practice and perseverance , along with a ton of tears , fears and anxiety along the way .
I ’ m fifty-plus , living in China and YES I am a total bad ass !!!
About the Author
My name is Anna Anderson and I am a compulsive multi tasker who has an unexplainable affinity for groups of three . I currently live in Nanjing , China with my husband , training teams in business communication , soft skills and leadership . I have been in business for over 30 years and coaching for close to 15 years . My passions are self development , communication and coaching others to achieve the life they desire . I don ’ t sleep much because my brain is constantly dreaming up new adventures , new plans and new ideas . I ’ ve given up on balance - I love to work hard and play hard .
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