Pushing the Career Reset Button

This morning, I enjoyed listening to a beautiful song on Spotify, "I Take My Chances," by the talented songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter. The lyrics struck a chord with me:

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"Now, some people say that you shouldn't tempt fate,

And for them, I can't disagree.

But I've never learned anything from playing it safe,

I say fate should not tempt me.

I take my chances; I don't mind working without a net.

I take my chances every chance I get."

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Many of us have realized the importance of self-reflection and looking out for ourselves in these challenging and unpredictable times. It's a time when we think deeply about what truly matters in life.

Our careers and the thoughts of exploring new ones are causing many of us significant stress and worry. It often feels like we're navigating a tightrope without a safety net. Doubt and pessimism can easily creep in, making it hard to move forward.

So, where is the silver lining in all of this?

While we're living through a time filled with uncertainty, it's also a unique opportunity to hit the "RESET" button and evaluate your professional and personal growth.

I can't predict the future, but I've seen numerous examples of the professional landscape evolving unexpectedly. People are coming up with creative ways to create, execute, and deliver value.

My recent professional journey is a testament to this.

After retiring from a long career in business development, I felt the urge to do something for myself and others. Coaching professionals and helping them realize their true potential is a passion I've always cherished.

I embraced this passion and launched my career and leadership coaching business. It's been a year of walking the tightrope without a net, as I had no prior experience as a business owner, and engaging on social media has been tricky. Anticipating people's needs in this turbulent job market has been challenging, and giving advice with people's emotions on the line is a slippery slope. I've had to pick myself up more than a few times and swallow my pride.

Hitting the career reset button can be liberating but also scary.

As I stumble through the many mistakes, I can genuinely feel the personal growth. I'm learning something new every day.

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If you're even remotely considering forging a new path for yourself, I would wholeheartedly say, "GO FOR IT."

Life is too short not to pursue something that resonates with your core.

Our world needs everyone's genuine effort; you owe it to yourself and others to uncover and share your true potential. Align your actions with your passions, and remember:

Imagine a brighter future

There's no better time than the present to start envisioning your future. Try to visualize what a successful professional future would look and feel like. We often focus on potential failures if we step out of our comfort zone. Instead, explore opportunities with optimism and consider how your unique skills and experiences can make you shine in a new light.

Embrace change

Managing a career change can be unsettling, no matter when it happens. If the idea of change paralyzes you, take a deep breath and think boldly. Delve deeper to discover the authentic and fulfilled individual you're meant to be. Refrain from letting the fear of missed opportunities to grow through new possibilities hold you back.

Allow time for creative discovery.

Thinking and planning creatively can be an enriching intellectual and emotional journey. To fully embrace change, be open to pushing your self-imposed limits and challenging long-held assumptions about your capabilities. Be willing to learn from the mistakes that come your way.

Imagine a brighter future, embrace change, and allow time for creativity. Doing so will shape the fulfilling destiny you desire and deserve.

The opportunities are out there, so go ahead and take that chance!‍