Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants

If you’re imagining the Puritan pilgrims as black and white suit, which came on the Mayflower, you’re not alone. This is the image that comes to mind for most of us.

But lately, I’ve noticed a trend – that when we look hard enough, we are surrounded by pilgrims at work.

With pilgrim defined as “a person who travels” and “one who embarks on a search,” I would say that there are more of us pilgrims in the workplace of the 21st century than you think.

There is one in your office? Or maybe you are one?

With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy heavy, which could only be a pilgrim, when:

You seek change. Furthermore, it is to play it safe. The first settlers traveling on the Mayflower risked their lives for what they believed in what was not available where they were. Where was the freedom of religion. With some of my clients is better alignment with their personal values, or more opportunity to grow and make a difference.

It creates a greater vision. Packing for the arduous journey to the New World in 1620, I am sure friends of the pilgrims told all sorts of things so she would not go. “It ’s so far,” he said. “It ’s dangerous.” “Things will change here – just wait outside.” However, the pilgrims set off with a greater vision of their work and life – even if you never seen before.

They fight. The story says the Mayflower walked two miles per hour, a trip to the United States in about 65 days. (Today, they are upset when the pizza can not be reached within 30 minutes.) They could not light a fire – the ship was made of wood. No wonder the coast of Massachusetts first looked so good! They knew that their journey will be difficult and soul and body ready. Half of them died that first winter cold – but the other half continued to make history.

Find support. While it is debatable how each part voluntarily helped – or hurt – the other, it is clear that the pilgrims have learned to survive without people Wampanoag, Native American experts in agriculture, fishing and hunting. Today foreign pilgrims, including leaders, mentors, coaches and colleagues that aligns with their vision, pushed through the struggles, and keeps moving.

We celebrate. Is not that what the American holiday of Thanksgiving is all about, anyway? As a pilgrim of today, the original pilgrims have felt the need to take time and celebrate their hard work, successful partnership, and its results. It was called “harvest” – might be called a promotion, a new role, the best companies, or a better life. No matter what it is, is a cause for celebration.