Motivation, uncertainty & staying sane when you're starting out on a new career path

If you're mid-career and navigating to a new path, how can you stay motivated and keep moving forward despite uncertainty about direction and finances?

Well, first of all, let's normalise feeling so passionate about your idea that you could burst... only to find yourself clenching your butt cheeks and bracing for impact the next day when your great idea appears to be swerving off the path ... then doubling down, getting back out there and lighting up the room when you talk about it ... then going home and eating lots and lots of crisps on the sofa worrying about money lol!

Starting something new is a brave move. Changing course takes grit, guts, and the willingness to dig deep and keep learning.

Now, how can you support yourself through this? Here are a few ideas for you, along with some questions to get you thinking, because what worked for my clients and for me over the years might not work for you. So, notice what comes up for you as you read and reflect ..

1) Lean on your people. I remember feeling really stressed in the first few months of my business. I went to see a friend, head in hands, and he said, "Of course it feels like sh!t. You've only just started, and you're shovelling sh!t to fertilise the soil. It looks like sh!t and smells like sh!t, but give it a bit more time, and shoots will start to grow. It is happening, you just can't see it yet" I could breathe again after hearing that and realising he was right. Talk to people who support you and can see the bigger picture when you lose sight of it.

Have I reached out for help when I've needed it? If not, why not?

Who are my people?

How can we better support each other? 

2) Financial security. I've found it's important to pay attention to what's real and what's just noise in our heads. It's easy to drop into scarcity fears, so developing discernment is really key here. Get clear about the financial reality and the risks ...but also recognise that it can take a while for the financial side to settle when you are changing path. Overfocusing on it beyond what you need to be aware of can drain your energy. For example, if you are moving from a paid role to self-employed, it might make more sense to review finances quarterly instead of monthly.

Do I have enough financial security to support the change I'm making?

Where am I getting hooked by financial worries?

How can I feel more acceptance and ease around finances? 

3) If you've watched The Lion King, you might remember the scene where Simba's father Mufasa appears when Simba is feeling lost "Remember who you are. Remember. Remember. Remember.” As Mufasa says, you can look inside yourself ...and you can also take a step back and recall your career and life journey to date. Remembering those mountains you climbed, those obstacles you overcame, the strengths you have already developed, and that you are not starting from scratch, you are starting from experience.

What have I already achieved that I'm proud of?

Who am I at my best?

What have other people reflected back to me about my strengths? 

4) If the path feels unclear, that's OK. You don't need to have it all figured out to start. You want some direction, but also allow for the path to reveal itself as you go. Keep showing up. I firmly believe that consistency is key. Keep. Showing. Up. Whatever that looks like for you, keep doing the thing consistently and each time aim for small incremental improvements. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and consistency + persistence + balanced with self-care ... is so often the secret sauce. The path will get clearer and clearer as you walk along it.

What would showing up consistently look like for me this month?

What feels like the right next step?

Am I showing up fully for myself and my career goals? 

5) Take breaks! You have a vision and a passion, and that's a beautiful thing. But you also have a life... and limited energy... and in order to thrive, we need to be well. It's far too easy to ride on the adrenaline or fear or passion or scarcity or whatever else grips us. And something will. Take a breath. Take a break. Observe your own rhythm and notice when your energy typically starts to drop. It used to be every 3 months for me, now it's every 2. Figure out your own energy cycle, and take the break before you run out of steam. At the start of every year, I pre-book my time off because if I don’t, it's often hard to clear my diary when I need it.

When was the last time I took a break, and do I need to stop for a bit?

Do I switch off when I stop working, or am I still busy in my mind? If so, what can I do differently?

What do I need to take care of me?

If you'd like to find out about 1-to-1 career change & development programmes, or coaching for your team/organisation get in touch bev@aumida.com or click here to book a call.

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