How to stay calm amidst the chaos of career transitions?
Many of us underestimate how difficult it is to start something new. A new job, a new promotion, a new career, a new business, or even transitioning back to work after a maternity leave can be hard. There is so much going on that your life can feel like a snow globe that has just been shaken up.
I know this feeling personally. I have navigated new jobs, promotions, maternity leaves and a career change, and I have learned first-hand how difficult it can be. But I have also learned how to successfully navigate transitions.
The good news is that with these three techniques, you can turn a challenging transition into a valuable opportunity:
(1) Embrace the snow. In any voyage, there is a departure from a place you know well and an arrival in a new and often unfamiliar place. Leaving what you know behind and entering the unknown brings out our fears and doubts. But rather than viewing these feelings as a sign of your lack of readiness or competence, we should accept them as a part of the process of change. Remember that the snow in the snow globe will always settle if you let it.
(2) Take steps. The best way to move forward towards your goal is by taking small steps. Breaking down a long voyage into a series of small steps – like reaching out to others who have done what you are doing, enlisting supporters, and trying new things – makes it less daunting. New ideas and insights often surface when you are out there doing, testing and learning. Waiting until you have a perfect plan in your head wastes your precious time and energy.
(3) Reframe success. It can be easy to feel discouraged when you only look at the destination. It is more beneficial to focus on the things that are in your control. And remember to celebrate your small wins along the way!
I hope these three techniques will help you move forward in times of change. Please reach out to me if you need professional assistance with this topic. Drop me a note through the Contact page if you have any questions.
