Change

We avoid change for many reasons.  For some of us, one of those reasons is often because we aren’t sure that what we are thinking about trying will work.  What if I pursue a new career or accept a new job, and hate it?  What if I change my diet or start to exercise, and still don’t feel better or lose weight?  What if . . . the potential scenarios are endless.  For that reason, sometimes we don’t even try.  

A Better Way

But what if there was a better way to think about this?  What if we went into change accepting and embracing that things might not work out, and being okay with that?  What if we were excited enough about getting started that we were open to and even prepared for course corrections along the way?  I have found myself in this space more than once when it comes to my career, and I’m betting that (perhaps) you have too.  It may be a bit of a struggle to make peace with the idea of changing things up, but I am certain it is better to try, and then change things down the road, than to stand still because we aren’t certain everything will work out.

Try Something and See What Happens

When I decided to leave my role as executive director of a non-profit ministry several years ago, I took a self-funded sabbatical in an effort to truly contemplate and discern what I wanted to do with my life.  During that time it became clear to me that counseling/coaching is my true passion – and I dare say, calling.  Armed with this clarity, I began to apply for counseling roles and soon accepted a position as a counselor with a secular organization.  I will spare you the details, but for numerous reasons, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I could not remain in that role.  Among other things, I was being asked to compromise my Christian values.  I simply couldn’t do that.  So, after only a few months, I resigned.

I do not regret accepting this role – nor do I regret leaving when I did.  I learned a lot, and I’m grateful for that.  One thing I learned is that I am not cut out for secular counseling.  This is valuable information.  Within a few weeks of leaving this role, I was hired to work part-time for a Christian ministry; and a few months into that role, I was promoted to what remains the best and most rewarding job I have had in my entire career – doing exactly what I believe I am called and created to do.  The only thing that tops that role is what I am able to do now with my own coaching business.  Things have a way of working out.

Jumpstarting Your New Career

As you contemplate various decisions regarding your career, I want to encourage you to get the ball rolling.  Sure, a few months or weeks from now, you may need to shift gears a bit and course-correct.  That’s perfectly fine.  In fact, it’s to be expected.  But please, whatever you do, don’t sit paralyzed – waiting to figure everything out perfectly on the front end.  That approach seldom results in a better outcome in the long run.  In fact, I believe it increases the likelihood you’ll never move at all.

I would love to support you as you craft a game plan for the next phase of your career.  Reach out today and schedule a free discovery session.  I promise you will leave excited about what’s next for you.