At a crossroads in your career or life? 3 reasons to support your decision
Hi, I am Chez and I have recently made the decision to explore the fire that has been burning in me – to explore a change in my career. I embarked on my journey to become a Transformational Coach, writer, and speaker. In order to keep this fire burning brightly, I have had to develop and maintain a clear self-identity, positive energy, and positive habits.
As an individual who has helped businesses grow, scale, and reach newer heights in the capacity of a business consultant, it’s fair to say that transformational change has been largely ever-present in my professional career. The intrinsic rewards I regularly experienced from the outcome of a successful transformation project has been instrumental in my personal development and growth.
Today, I work with executives and professionals like you, who may be at a crossroads in their career or life. I support them in making a decision on which path they want to explore and the steps required. This could be whether to:
- Advance in their existing career;
- Do something completely different – such as starting a new business, or a new career path;
- Remain within their current career, however, ensuring their core values are aligned with this.
#1 Explore my interests more deeply
I initially embarked on my journey in 2007 but stumbled and parked the idea for a few years. When I look back on the progress of this journey from 2020, sure, it’s been slow, but that’s the reality of it. Progress and true transformation take time. Even to date, I am not a full-time Coach but do this in addition to my work as a business consultant. But before I delve further, let’s go back a few steps.
When I first thought of this wild idea, it was filled with vigour, ambition, and of course, self-doubt. I wasn’t sure if it would work and most importantly I wasn’t sure if I was too late to the party. With a growing family to support, there were financial risks involved as well. However, my passion was in place and I knew that I wanted to support people with my Coaching. Through it all, I began a slow and gradual journey that would take time to complete. It took time to put in place certain systems, to meet the right people to network and learn from – some who have coached and mentored me.
Everyone’s transformation journey is unique to them and for me, I had to develop certain habits that were in line with my energy to achieve the growth I wanted.
#2 Challenge myself to do something out of my comfort zone
I addressed this concern of getting out of my comfort zone in two ways. First, I challenged myself to do more. Second, I sought out support from my network. This included my family, friends, and a group of mentors.
There is undoubtedly the fear of doing something that we are not used to and the growth cycle of learning, unlearning, and continuous learning.
There is also the fear of learning new skills at a certain age, existing responsibilities among others – which are totally justified. But ask yourself these two questions,
- What would I need to do to be happy and enthusiastic about my career/life?
- What support would assist me in moving in the direction I want?
Your response could be pivotal in taking the first step out of your comfort zone.
#3 Align my career with what is important to me
Like in the case of transformation journeys, personal values, and elements that one considers important can be different from one individual to the next. For some, this could mean spending more time with family or achieving career success. For me, family, a healthy lifestyle, and service to others are important personal values that drive the life I want for myself.
In the coaching programmes I offer through my service, Energise & Grow, achieving this balance between values that are important to you and your current trajectory in life is an important element of the process. However, I believe it’s also important to keep in mind that the picture doesn’t always have to be big or grand, it needs to be unique to you and what you hold as important for your happiness. Transformation and progress are subjective and are viewed differently by those across the board and there can be different layers to it.
To close, I believe that you can always be inspired by others, however, you are the architect for the life you want to create. In my next post, I will deep dive into breaking out of your comfort zone to doing something that truly resonates with your passion. I knew that the fire burning in me was a calling, a desire to change, and to share my journey with others.
It is never too late to explore the change you want.
