How do you manage the emotions of a career shift?

Assessing if you are ready for transformation is key at the beginning of any major life change. There are seven stages of personal development and levels of consciousness that we all grow through. If you don’t assess your attitude to transform your mindset, you may stay stuck in the three lower ego-based levels of survival, belonging and achievement and keep making the same choices that you have made in the past. The fourth level of personal development is identified as transformation, it’s the level where letting go of fears takes place. Ask yourself if you are in the right mindset to find the courage to grow, develop, adapt? If you are committed to true self awareness than personal growth will be nurtured.

Emotions are important signals. Sometimes putting our feelings down on paper helps us to: Identify where we've not replenished what we've poured out. Identify where one of our boundaries has been violated. Identify where we're making a mountain out of a molehill. Identify where we're not being kind to ourselves. Identify where we're trying to have control. Identify where we're feeling ungrateful. Identify where we need community. Identify where we need safety. Identify where we need help. When we're trying to understand what has triggered our feelings/emotions, it's helpful to look at our thoughts. Our thoughts are powerful. One way we can actually feel better instantly is by choosing to focus on empowering thoughts.

Feedback should be honest - not every career shift makes sense for any number of reasons. Definitely join a networking group, but one specific for those in transition. If one isn't there, create your own. And, invite at least one person who's currently working to attend and offer perspectives from that side. Not all family and friends, will offer the same type of support. Make sure everyone knows (at least generally) what you're looking for. Have different 'elevator pitches' for them, compared to people in your field

I've heard it said that all we need, in any situation, is just one person who believes in us and buoys our self-belief until it's solid. ;-)

You can’t be the best you until you invest time in you, and self care is critical to your overall wellbeing. Many high performers feel guilty when they put their own health first, which will eventually lead to dis-ease. Finding a balance that works for you will empower you and will keep you healthy longer.

A personal coach will ask you to ask yourself tough questions that you might never consider on your own. Asking yourself “who am I?”, “am I on the right path?” and “what do I believe about myself?” opens up possibilities for reflection and deep honesty to help you get to the root of your self awareness. This type of experience can be a game changer at a time when a major life shift feels too much to handle alone. A personal coach is there to hold a safe space for you to grown and shine.

As PJ noted, one of the superpowers of an effective coach is asking targeted questions that guide the person being coached into insights and growth. A second powerful coaching tool: Reflection. To use a train analogy, if questions move a person down the track, reflection invites them to slow down, stop, and linger at a station. Sometimes the needed growth in a coaching session is not in identifying a possible next step for action. It's in helping the person being coached to get fully present. Focusing on their who, rather than their do, which is true transformation. Coaching rocks! 🤗