10 Mid-Career Lessons Learned from Disney World

I don’t know if you’re supposed to say this, but I was skeptical of Disney World. 🎢

As we got ready to go, I was excited but I was also worried it would be too crowded. And that the kids might get overstimulated quickly. And that a sandwich might cost 1,400 dollars…

BUT…it was the best. I loved Disney so much I almost cried when we left. (No, seriously.) 😭

So it goes without saying that I’m going to channel Mickey and his illustrious career this week.

Here goes!

10 Mid-Career Lessons Learned from Disney World

1) Celebrate Your Wins 🎉

I learned that there are like 5 different parades that happen daily at Disney. And I am so here for it! Taking the time to celebrate can bring you so much joy.

2) Scary Things Can Be Good Things 😁

Plummeting down several stories on the Tower of Terror sounds horrifying, but I’m glad I did it! Face your fears and see what happens.

3) Branding Matters ✏️

If you see 3 circles strategically placed together you know without a doubt someone is talking about Mickey Mouse and Disney. What 3 things can you bring to the table to make your brand just as memorable?

4) Know What You Don’t Want 🚫

Would I voluntarily go upside again on Rockin’ Roller Coaster? Would my kids jump onto Guardians of the Galaxy again? No, thank you. But knowing what you don’t want can be just as helpful as knowing what you do want in your career.

5) Ask for Help ☎️

I never hesitated to ask someone wearing a name tag what direction we were supposed to be walking. Asking for help in all areas of your life saves time. Do it!

(And if the area of life you need help with is landing a fulfilling job you love without giving up the flexibility you need, start here!)

6) Own Your Role 🥁

My kids dubbed Glen the General of Disney. He set the pace, he had the plans. They called me the Jester of Disney. My role was to keep the townspeople happy when the General got intense. There’s always a role for you to play – find it.

7) Be Prepared ☀️

Having sunscreen and a bag of snacks made a ton of difference, just like being prepared with an optimized LinkedIn profile and resume can. Get ready before you have to be ready.

8) If You’re Not Having Fun, You’re Doing it Wrong 💃🏻

Not every day can be a Disney World park day, I get that. But when you seek out the fun in your everyday life it makes coming back from vacation a lot easier. If your work isn’t bringing you joy, it might be time for a change.

9) Know When to Pivot ↔️

At the end of day 5, 1 kid was ready to keep riding and 1 kid was done with a capital D. So we changed the plan, split up, and everyone was happy. It can feel uncomfortable to change a plan, but there can be a lot of good that comes from plan B.

10) The Magic is You ✨

During the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, there was a voiceover saying that we the guests were the magic of Disney. (I almost cried then too.) Wherever you go, YOU are bringing that magic. That’s a huge confidence booster right there!

So from my newly obsessed Disney heart to yours – keep bringing your magic. The world needs it! ❤️