Have you spent the last few months thinking that you would like to change career or perhaps the circumstances have meant that you will need to change your career? However as you start to contemplate what you could do next are you finding yourself feeling bewildered and overwhelmed with your head spinning? Don’t worry, you are not alone, when we contemplate making a change or doing something new this can bring up many different emotions including confusion and overwhelm – I don’t know where to start, there’s too much to do, what if it doesn’t work?
Here are some ideas on how you can support yourself during this time to enable yourself to find the focus and motivation to be able to make that change:
Take it one step at a time
If you are feeling overwhelmed look at what you want to do and break it down into smaller steps, take the first one and then keep continuing one step at a time. You may find that you are able to do a few or lots at once depending on your time, energy, expertise etc. (Sometimes it is easier for us to see the smaller steps rather than the leap as they are less intimidating or frightening.)
Do what gets you moving in the right direction. If it can’t be done in a short period of time think about how you can break it down further or split it.
Self-care
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to reflect on the situation and how you can approach the next steps. This can be energy draining so also consider what you can do that you enjoy and re-energises you? Think about things you can do on a daily basis to support yourself, give your mind a rest from the thinking and allow it to consolidate your thoughts. This could include exercise, meditation, reading, listening to music or food for nourishment.
Ask for support
Who do you know who has gone through a similar experience in the past? Ask them to talk through with you what they considered, how they approached the process, how they made the change. Consider what elements of what you discuss that resonate with you and could be ideas for you to consider.
Choose one thing
If you have a number of ideas that have come up for you, prioritise them on ease and/ or your interest in them. Work through them one at a time rather than all at once. This will allow your mind the opportunity to focus clearly on each opportunity.
Remind yourself that change happens all the time
Remind yourself of times you have successfully made a change in the past – this is not something new for you. In fact we often make changes without realising – they may be small but it is still change nonetheless. Or how about when we have no choice; take this year for example, the pandemic has caused us all to make sudden changes in our lives. On the other hand when we plan things we can often overthink it and prevent ourselves from moving forward. Remind yourself that change is something you successfully do on a regular basis.
Brainstorm ideas
Sometimes it’s about sharing what you want to do with someone and then saying out loud the next step that you are going to take. Who do you know who is a good sounding board and you can brainstorm ideas with. This can help with both accountability to take that next step but also allows you to check in with how you feel about what you are contemplating (we often feel different about things when we say them out loud as it can make it feel more real).
If you are feeling stuck and don’t know where to start with taking the next step in changing your career Contact Me to find out how my career change package can help you find inspiration, focus and motivation to make that change.
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Claire Bolsover disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.