How can you make a big leap in your career?
Maybe you’re thinking about a career in another sector or trying something completely new.
Something that seems a pretty big leap when you think about it.
Well, that’s what I’m talking about today.
Hello and a very warm welcome to Episode No 86 of ‘Your Bravo Career’
My name is Mark Crossfield, I’m a Professional Career Coach / helping you to love your job and build a great career.
This podcast is about why your career matters
How you can enjoy what you are doing day each day at work
and how to build a great career along the way.
Introduction
Welcome everybody to Episode No 86
Today, I'm exploring the world of big career transformations. How to take a big leap in your career.
This episode is particularly special because I'll also be integrating insights from my experience working with clients who've bravely shifted industries and sectors.
And, of course, I made my own big career leap five years ago when I started my own career coaching business.
So, whether you're considering a major move in your career or are simply intrigued by the idea, this episode has plenty to offer.
But first, did you know that …
The actor Harrison Ford's first career was as a carpenter.
And, Shirley Temple, Hollywood's darling transitioned from stage and screen to a life of diplomacy and public service.
And that Rowan Atkinson’s initial career was in electrical engineering. He made a leap into comedy and acting, becoming a household name of course as Mr. Bean.
That last one cracks me up. I just can’t imagine Mr Bean re-wiring somebody’s house.
Nevertheless, these are examples of the power of pursuing your true interests, no matter how different they may seem from your present career path.
You might also recall my interview with Chris Wood, back in Episode 16. Chris had made the leap from Detective Inspector in GM Police to Crime Fiction writer.
My experience as a career coach has shown me that changing industries or sectors is more common than you might think. I've worked with many clients who have made significant leaps, transforming their careers and, in turn, their lives.
And, for context …
Consider how much time we spend at work - it's about a third of our lives. That's a significant amount of time to spend in a role that doesn't bring joy or fulfilment.
Our work affects not just our finances but our physical and mental health.
Any yet, the world of work is vast, offering opportunities to align what we do with what we love.
So, this isn't just a fanciful dream; it's a very achievable reality.
But it requires us to take that first step, to be open to exploring new possibilities and embracing the journey of finding or creating work that we truly love.
This is the work you’d choose to do if you had nothing holding you back.
It could be in your current industry or sector, or some variation / enhancement of your current work, but it could also be something completely new.
Perhaps you’re an accountant who wants to be a pilot.
Or an actor who wants to be an electrician.
Anything is possible!
Anything is possible but it doesn’t always seem that way …
In our journey towards making substantial career leaps, a concept we must grapple with is what Gay Hendricks famously termed the 'upper limit mindset.'
It's a psychological barrier where we subconsciously cap our own potential, limiting the amount of success, happiness, and fulfilment we believe we deserve.
Often, we unknowingly sabotage our progress, hindered by a deep-seated belief that we don't deserve to surpass a certain level of achievement.
This mindset, if left unchecked, becomes a formidable roadblock, curtailing our journey to reach our full potential.
The key to breaking through this barrier lies in challenging and reshaping our long-held beliefs about our own capabilities.
It's about stepping boldly into new territories, even when it feels uncomfortable, and embracing the growth that comes with change.
In my coaching, I often guide my clients through this process, helping them to identify, confront, and transcend their upper limits, thus enabling them to make profound and transformative leaps in their careers.
And this is something you can achieve as well.
Let's delve into this a bit deeper.
Think back through your life – are there beliefs you once staunchly held about yourself that you no longer see as true?
For instance, I recall believing during my school days that university was beyond my reach, or in my early career, doubting I would ever become a manager.
There was even a time when I believed finding a job I loved was impossible, resigning myself to the grind until retirement.
Now, over to you. What are the beliefs that you once clung to but have now let go of?
These shifts in belief are not just changes in opinion; they represent your growth, your ability to adapt, and to embrace new horizons.
Remember, you don't have to hold onto any belief that doesn't serve your aspirations. If a belief about your career limits you, it's time to let it go.
I encourage you to critically examine your career beliefs.
What are the 'truths' you've accepted without challenge?
How might these beliefs be narrowing your vision of what's truly possible in your career?
It's in questioning and updating these beliefs that we unlock our true potential, paving the way for significant and transformative changes in our careers and in our lives.
I love this quote from Ken Robinson:
You have to challenge your own beliefs about yourself. Whatever age you are, you’ve almost certainly developed an inner story about what you can do and what you can’t do; what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. You may be right, of course but you may be misleading yourself.
Ok, so
Moving on from our limiting beliefs, another thing that might stop us from changing our job or career, is fear.
Our fear can be crippling and make us overlook facts and logic, quickly closing down any actions we might think of taking.
Fear also misrepresents reality, and this quickly starts to make change look unattractive or unattainable.
The first thing to recognise is that fearing change is a normal part of our psychological behaviour.
It’s only natural that fear will show up when you contemplate change and the possibility of leaving what you know for something new.
The first step, therefore, is to acknowledge that fear is normal. Fear showing up is nothing more than an evolutionary response to uncertainty.
And, as we will see, when you get clear on the specifics of your fear, you can learn to deal with and sidestep any resulting blocks that shows up.
Once you understand that fear is normal, the next step is to identify your specific fears. Take some time to reflect on what specifically you fear when you contemplate a big career change.
Understanding the specifics of what you’re fearing will make it easier for you to address your doubts.
You fears might include for example:
- Feeling like you don’t have the confidence to change
- Not wanting to deal with the process of change
- Financial worries about making a career leap, or
- Meeting new people / saying goodbye to work colleagues
It will be easier for you to explore each of your fears in more detail by asking yourself questions about the actual risks involved.
What for example are the worst-case scenarios and what can you do to lower the potential risk that might arise along the way.
You will also see, when you start to look at your fears in this way, that actually you have relatively few fears and
You need to hear this one …
most of the worries you have about a big career change won't materialise anyway.
You might find that you have two or three fears showing up.
This makes it much easier to deal with than thinking you have a big list of unspecified fears to deal with.
Creating a plan of action for dealing with a defined list of fears is much easier when you know what you are dealing with.
In addition, you might also see that your fears are irrational and unlikely to materialise.
I've found, my clients find, that almost all of these worries and concerns dissipate when you start taking career-changing actions.
So, you can set aside most of the worries you have before you start.
So, I’ve dealt with any limiting beliefs you may have and those fears that are bound to show up when you start thinking about making a change in your career.
So, let’s dive into the practical steps.
If you’re contemplating a major career leap, the first step is to gain crystal-clear clarity on what you truly want in your career.
It's about starting with well-defined goals.
If you're still uncertain about your career direction, remember, the goal is to achieve that clarity.
I discussed this topic in Episode 55, where I talked about breaking free from career inertia and moving towards work you genuinely love, along with five practical steps to gain the clarity you need.
However, for those of you who have a clear vision of what you want, the next step is to align your goals with your values and skills.
This means reflecting deeply on what truly matters to you in both your work and life, and understanding your strengths – what you're good at.
This alignment is crucial. It's not just a leap into the unknown; it's a strategic move towards a role that resonates with who you are and utilises your strengths.
Ask yourself: What are my core values? What skills do I possess that I enjoy using and want to develop further?
How can these be applied in my new career path?
This alignment brings a sense of purpose and significantly increases the likelihood of long-term success and satisfaction in your new career.
Remember, it's about landing somewhere that's right for you.
Once you have this alignment sorted, that's where Visualization and Goal Setting come into play.
Picture yourself in your new role – what does it look like? How do you feel working in this environment?
What are you doing each day?
This vivid mental imagery not only provides clarity but also creates an emotional connection to your career goals. It's a powerful tool to boost your drive and motivation, turning your vision into a tangible reality."
Let me share a quick story. I worked with a client, Emily, who was a successful corporate lawyer. She was accomplished but not fulfilled.
Through our coaching sessions, we used this visualisation process to uncover her passion for education. We then aligned her career goals with her values and skills.
Emily is now thriving as a legal consultant for educational institutions, combining her expertise in law with her passion for education.
So, if you're considering a significant career leap, take the time to visualise where you want to be and ensure that your goals align with your true values and skills. It's about making a change that's not just successful but also meaningful and fulfilling.
The next step of course is to develop an Action Plan for your career leap. This is where you outline the steps, timelines, milestones, and resources needed for your career shift. It's a roadmap that guides you through the transition process.
It’s also important to build a strong Support System to help you in your career transition. This involves finding mentors, peers, and professionals who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout your journey.
Before we conclude, let’s quickly recap what I’ve covered today.
I started by discussing the exciting journey of making a big leap in your career, highlighting the immense potential for personal and professional fulfilment.
I talked about overcoming psychological barriers, particularly the 'upper limit mindset,' emphasising how important it is to break through these self-imposed limits for career advancement.
Addressing fears was another key point. I stressed the importance of recognising and confronting these fears to understand and overcome them, paving the way for change.
In terms of practical steps, I focused on the significance of clear goal setting.
For those unsure of their career direction, I reminded you to seek clarity, as discussed in Episode 55.
I also delved into the power of visualization. I highlighted how visualizing your new role can bring clarity and emotional connection to your goals, boosting motivation.
Lastly, I touched on aligning your goals with your values and skills. It's essential for ensuring your career change is not just a leap into the unknown, but a strategic and fulfilling move.
In summary, this episode was about empowering you with the knowledge and tools to confidently take that big leap in your career.
I hope it has been helpful. Also …
I’d love to hear your stories or questions about career changes. Feel free to share them, and I might address them in future episodes.
So,
Your career call to action today is to review these steps and start with at least one action to make this year a special one for your career.
Thank you for joining me in today's episode. I hope it has inspired you to think about your career possibilities.
Join me next time for more insights and advice on navigating the dynamic world of career development. Until then, here's to your success and the bold steps you'll take in your career journey."
Section 8: End
Thank you for joining me today.
You can find today’s show notes at bravocoaching.co.uk/podcast.
If you are interested in working with me, you can book a free discovery call on my website.
Have a wonderful week and I will speak to you again in a couple of weeks time.
Bye for now.