Having worked with many clients in different career seasons, I’ve found there are a few common threads when it comes to things we struggle with during our career. Over the years in corporate America and working for myself as a Career Coach, I’ve struggled with these same areas too!
For the next few months I am going to focus the blog on those topics. I will talk about what the struggles are and how you can get past them and move forward in your chosen career path.
Risk is such a scary word. It is something that we have been conditioned from an early age to stay away from. We were told to walk the safe side of things and not to take unnecessary risks that could hurt us.
As an adult, there are still dangerous risks that you should be staying away from but you should also know that not all risk is bad. Sure, there is an element of the unknown as there is with anything in life, but if you don’t take risks you won’t ever come to your full potential and you will always have the nagging regret and constant wonder of how things would have been different in your career if you just stepped onto that ledge and took the leap of faith…also known as risk.
So many people write themselves off. They are up for a promotion or have a new job offer and they underestimate their own worth. They downplay their skills and talents and in essence talk themselves out of the job and in turn talk their interviewer out of hiring them.
The first thing you need to do is believe in yourself and know your worth. One way to do this is to get a new notebook and some tape and colored pencils. Take time to post in that book any words of encouragement that you have had given to you, pictures of awards you have won over the years, certificates, diplomas…anything that shows you excelled at learning your skills.
Put thank you cards from people you have worked with and even motivational quotes. Anything that will take the fear away and remind you who you are and what all you have accomplished in those down times when you are doubting yourself and your abilities.
Fear of Failure is another area that can hold you back. You think if you go for the job and you don’t get it that you will disappoint someone or be a failure. Don’t let fear hold you back. Understand that you are not a disappointment and the people that love you are there to support you no matter what. If fear is holding you back it will cause you heartache in the end because you are living a life of mediocrity and not the greatness you were born to share with the world.
Another thing that I want to share with you is that Fear is Courage that has said its prayers. I absolutely love that saying and I remember it daily for my personal challenges with fear. You can not be in fear and gratitude at the same time so say your prayers, list all that you are grateful for and focus on that. Focus on what you love in this moment, then the next moment…until eventually your heart will burst with love and gratitude and fear will have taken a back seat again where it belongs.
Fear will always be with you but you can’t let it be in the driver’s seat. I would love to support you in moving through your fear so you can take the risks that will be worthwhile for you in your career. If you would like to chat just reach out!
