How to succeed after a change of direction: embracing your new identity
When we change direction in our career, how can we truly embrace the new identity that accompanies it? We have a new role, perhaps a completely new career, and while this might offer excitement, challenge and the fulfilment of a clear goal, it can also stir up doubts about our readiness for the role.
Changing to a new career brings with it all the richness of our experience, developed skills, perspectives, attitudes, and strengths. We are not a blank slate. But we could be new to this profession and it’s therefore a fertile ground for imposter syndrome to flourish and the feeling of not being prepared for this new chapter.
So how can we give ourselves the best chance of succeeding in this hard-won new landscape?
These suggestions all embrace the idea of being authentically self-aware, of preparing for natural feelings that arise, and of steering towards the motivations that brought us to this important redirection.
The more aware we are, the better our chance of navigating the uncertainties that accompany any moment of change.
As you navigate this moment of identity redefinition, consider these tactics:
1.Focus on the WHY behind this new move. Concentrate on the values that are being expressed, the sense of purpose it offers, and how you will be able to put your favourite strengths to good use. Reflect on who will benefit as you make this new beginning and connect this monment to your vision of what is now possible
2. Letting go: in the kindest and best way possible, let go of your previous roles or careers. Yes, you are bringing valuable skills and experience with you, and now is the time to face forwards and allow the energy of what you can achieve here fuel your new start
3. Beginner’s Mind and Growth Mindset: be humble, curious, and authentic. Admit you have learning ahead of you and ask for help when you need it. At the same time, be generous with what you have already learned in your career and support others where you can. This is a period of growth, and as such offers excitement and some discomfort. Don’t fall into the trap of denying this - be open and willing to learn
4. Celebrate this achievement, along with past achievements: mark the occasion as a milestone. You will have worked hard, thought hard and and struggled with difficult emotions to get to this point. It’s definitely worth celebrating. You made it! It’s also a great time to focus on previous achievements as strong evidence that you have succeeded in the past - and will do so again
5. Reframe negative self talk, talk to yourself with compassion: be kind to yourself and don’t believe the voices of fear and doubt that will pipe up loud and often. Always be gentle with yourself, and find the evidence from past experience to counter negative self talk
6. Support network: who can support, encourage and sustain you at this time? Close friends, family or new colleagues can all play a part if you let them. This is the time for authenticity - bluster and denial will keep you stuck acting the part of ‘nothing to see here’. Instead, choose confidants wisely and share ideas and experiences. Check out your feelings and doubts with people who know your strengths and can remind you of these, and of your ability to adapt and succeed.
Acknowledge this Threshold
Above all else, allow this moment to have its significance, make a ritual out of it, notice and celebrate it. Allow this moment to matter. When we marry or graduate, we create an occasion. Why not do the same with this important new start?
Acknowledging what brought you here, what you are ready to let go of, and what you are excited to embrace, will strengthen your belief that you will do well in this new chapter.
If you’d like to see what this could look like, take a look at my mini course: INSPIRED - starting again with confidence.
Or if you would like to talk any of this through and create your own plan to make a winning new start, drop me a message via the button below. I’d love to help you create the best possible beginning on a path that truly matters to you.