Are There Open Doors in Your Future?

On occasion I am reminded by a dear friend and colleague that “when one door closes, another one opens.” The timing usually coincides with me receiving disappointing news about something that I have worked hard to attain. The quote emphasizes the need to look forward, towards a new opportunity, to provide hope for the future without focusing on the past. If you believe this notion, however, there are several assumptions to consider.The first assumption is that a closed door represents unwelcome news or a failure. I submit that this is not always the case. For example, this time of year during graduation students celebrate finishing their programs of study, many fulfilling scholarly projects, to begin a career as an advanced practice registered nurse. In this case, a door closes, predictably, and without disappointment. Granted some students may wish to slam the door on their way out, most see graduation as a transition time to the next chapter in their lives. So closed doors don’t have to represent failure.The second assumption is that you need to close the door completely to go through a different door. Although disappointment is not fun, there may be times when you can learn from mistakes to potentially change your direction. It may take time to get over the disappointment. But do not linger when closing the door. Don’t focus your time and energy on the closed door for an extended period. Instead, ask yourself (or a trusted colleague), how you can think differently about next steps to seek new opportunities, at times through unconventional routes.The third assumption is that a closed door needs to precede an opportunity to move forward. This begs the question if you can go through an open door before another one closes? I say yes! There are times when new opportunities present themselves that draw you towards them. For example, a new employment opportunity may present itself when it is least expected. Or you may be invited to serve in a new professional role, one that is highly valued, yet not anticipated. In these situations, careful consideration and a discussion with trusted others can help when deciding whether to walk through the open door(s) versus passing on the opportunity.Another assumption is that you must wait for a door to open to go through it. I say no! Consider knocking on the door to ask someone else to open it for you. Don’t bang on the door; but make sure you are seen and heard. Examples include making inquiries to opportunities that are posted or submitting self-nominations for service opportunities or awards. Other times, mentors and/or senior colleagues can open the door for others to walk through. Sometimes, however, colleagues need a nudge. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with trusted colleagues to see if they are willing to nominate you for a service opportunity, a fellowship, or a leadership position. Perhaps you are the mentor, sponsor, or colleague of a former student or junior colleague. As such, consider ways in which you can and should hold the door open to lead (or walk with) mentees as they enter a doorway, especially those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.In closing (no pun intended), whether a door is opening or closing for you personally or professionally, look beyond the closed door. Consider why a door closed, especially if unexpected, but don’t dwell on past disappointment. Consider which doors may be opening for you that are non-conventional opportunities or may not be in clear view. Pay it forward by opening doors for others who would benefit from growth and development as they move towards new roles. And whatever you do, do not slam the door closed as you exit. On occasion I am reminded by a dear friend and colleague that “when one door closes, another one opens.” The timing usually coincides with me receiving disappointing news about something that I have worked hard to attain. The quote emphasizes the need to look forward, towards a new opportunity, to provide hope for the future without focusing on the past. If you believe this notion, however, there are several assumptions to consider. The first assumption is that a closed door represents unwelcome news or a failure. I submit that this is not always the case. For example, this time of year during graduation students celebrate finishing their programs of study, many fulfilling scholarly projects, to begin a career as an advanced practice registered nurse. In this case, a door closes, predictably, and without disappointment. Granted some students may wish to slam the door on their way out, most see graduation as a transition time to the next chapter in their lives. So closed doors don’t have to represent failure. The second assumption is that you need to close the door completely to go through a different door. Although disappointment is not fun, there may be times when you can learn from mistakes to potentially change your direction. It may take time to get over the disappointment. But do not linger when closing the door. Don’t focus your time and energy on the closed door for an extended period. Instead, ask yourself (or a trusted colleague), how you can think differently about next steps to seek new opportunities, at times through unconventional routes. The third assumption is that a closed door needs to precede an opportunity to move forward. This begs the question if you can go through an open door before another one closes? I say yes! There are times when new opportunities present themselves that draw you towards them. For example, a new employment opportunity may present itself when it is least expected. Or you may be invited to serve in a new professional role, one that is highly valued, yet not anticipated. In these situations, careful consideration and a discussion with trusted others can help when deciding whether to walk through the open door(s) versus passing on the opportunity. Another assumption is that you must wait for a door to open to go through it. I say no! Consider knocking on the door to ask someone else to open it for you. Don’t bang on the door; but make sure you are seen and heard. Examples include making inquiries to opportunities that are posted or submitting self-nominations for service opportunities or awards. Other times, mentors and/or senior colleagues can open the door for others to walk through. Sometimes, however, colleagues need a nudge. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with trusted colleagues to see if they are willing to nominate you for a service opportunity, a fellowship, or a leadership position. Perhaps you are the mentor, sponsor, or colleague of a former student or junior colleague. As such, consider ways in which you can and should hold the door open to lead (or walk with) mentees as they enter a doorway, especially those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. In closing (no pun intended), whether a door is opening or closing for you personally or professionally, look beyond the closed door. Consider why a door closed, especially if unexpected, but don’t dwell on past disappointment. Consider which doors may be opening for you that are non-conventional opportunities or may not be in clear view. Pay it forward by opening doors for others who would benefit from growth and development as they move towards new roles. And whatever you do, do not slam the door closed as you exit.