How to build confidence to step into a new career!
The idea of finding a new job or career can be daunting for most individuals. Meeting new people, worrying about your ability to do something else, concerns over lack of experience and total overwhelm by the time and effort it can take to put yourself out there.
These concerns and worries can show up as; ‘I don’t have time’, ‘I wouldn’t know where to start’, ‘I’m on a great salary’, ‘I don’t have motivation because I don’t have a plan’, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’ ‘Anyway, all jobs aren’t meant to be fantastic right? That’s why it’s called work!’ Does this sound familiar?
The comfort zone is a lovely place to be. It means that we are less likely to fail because we don’t try new things and we don’t risk embarrassment because we’re working in our area of expertise.
But, not much happens in the comfort zone, it is not the place for growth, development, or courage.
So how do you build confidence to step into a new career?
Step into your stretch zone.
Break down all the things that are required to move forward and push yourself to be a little uncomfortable in small tasks. For example, if you want to start networking, and the idea of reaching out to a cold audience might feel too much, reach out to friends first. Set yourself a target of having three of these conversations first.
8 simple steps to work in your stretch zone.
1. Spend time building your awareness of what you want & WHY you want it. This is going to keep you motivated
What are the reasons you'd like to speak to these people?
What will it do for your career?
What will it do for your anxiety when you do have to do it to a cold audience?
How will it impact your life?
Remind yourself of how this change will benefit your life! How will that new job feel?
2. Break the goal into smaller parts. The end goal is not going to be achievable next week. This is a MUST...
What do you need to do to get there?
What is your first, second and third step?
This is your starting place. You don't need the whole thing mapped out right now. Breaking down what you need to do is really important to reduce overwhelm.
3. Write your ‘what and why’ (from points 1 and 2) down, or even better, place it somewhere that you can see it frequently. The more specific and tangible the goal the better. Building confidence and some of the more nuanced skills are often really difficult to measure physically.
What - When - Why, what else would you like to do …
For example, be in a new career, that makes me feel excited to wake up to do it, by X.
4. When you are breaking this down, think about what actions you can take that feel totally easy. The actions that will help you achieve this but ARE in your comfort zone.
5. Put these actions in the circle of ‘comfort’. Then think of some actions that might help you get to your goal that stretches you. This might be networking, applying for some roles, asking someone for some work experience, asking to shadow someone, speaking to a career coach, asking for a mentor in your current role. Put these in the circle ‘stretch’.
It is important to note here that everyone’s ‘comfort’, ‘stretch’ and ‘panic’ zones are totally different. What is easy to one person may put someone else in a total panic. So don’t judge yourself here, be honest with yourself.
6. In the next circle ‘panic’, think about what you would do if you could do anything towards your goal. If you had all the time, confidence, and ability (and any other excuse you’re telling yourself is the reason you’re not doing it). Who would you speak to? What would you do? Write this in this circle.
7. Once you have this list, choose one or two actions that are in your stretch zone. When you’re building confidence to do something, stepping into your stretch zone helps you push yourself, develop and grow without overwhelm and fear. It helps us stop procrastinating and finding the excuses not do that thing.
8. Practice. Practice. Practice. Do the tasks that sit in your stretch zone first. The first one might feel VERY uncomfortable. However, if you do this enough, it will move into your comfort zone. You stop finding it as difficult. The nerves reduce. The apprehension diminishes.
So, whatever it is that you want to achieve but are struggling with, take these steps. Break them down. Think about what you can achieve first.
Click here to download your FREE guide on ‘How to Change Career Without Overwhelming Fear’.
Sarah is a Career Change Coach. She helps women breakthrough and pivot in their career. Whether you're not networking, developing your own work or side hustle! Stop feeling like you don’t know where to start and reach out!
Sarah has a Masters in Psychology and is both accredited by and a member of the British Psychological Society. She has experience working with the military and corporate sector in recovery, transition, leadership, and mentoring.