Ever feel stuck in place in your work (or life)? Do you long for something better, but either don’t have a clear picture what you want to accomplish or are afraid to leave a “safe” place you know to explore and face the unknown? If so, you are not alone. Most people fear making a major life/work change, even one they might view as being positive! Some people will say “it is better to deal with the devil you know, than the one you don’t” when contemplating a change from a workplace they might experience as depleting, demoralizing or even toxic, because the next place they fear might be even worse. They might also feel the need to stay, just because the job prospects may be more sparce in today’s economy. While sometimes, the answer is simply a change of their view of their present situation, boss, co-workers, or actual work they are doing, many times a job switch is just what could re-energize them in their careers, if they can just make that choice, with maybe a little leap of faith , and get unstuck.
Seven Ways to Help You Get “Unstuck”!
1) Take some time to clarify what it is you really want. Free writing (journaling) can often help you get in touch with your inner thoughts and feelings. Some people prefer to write first thing in the morning, right after they wake up which seems to help get in touch with inner desires most easily.
2) Talk with a trusted friend, mentor or coach to help identify your unique strengths and personal values. Make sure the person is not connected with your present work situation, as most of the time personal issues discussed with a co-worker do not remain confidential.
3) Brainstorm possible new paths that fit your strengths, values and also preferences. It is as important to explore new career options that you like (or at least are pretty sure you would), and not just what you are skilled at doing presently.
4) Create an overall plan including a flexible time line to make a change, once you have identified your new life/work goal. Many times people have a dream, but a plan helps make it a reality.
5) Make a list of doable small-step goals to get to your major goal, because trying to do a whole process in one step tends to lead to feeling overwhelmed and the danger of quitting.
6) Develop an ongoing relationship with a cheerleader friend, mentor or coach to give you continual encouragement (and maybe even a smile) while you work toward reaching your goal. No person is an island, and many of us believe we are here to help each other.
7) Make sure to celebrate when you accomplish a single step toward a large goal—don’t wait until you have accomplished the whole big goal, or you might get discouraged and give up before you succeed!
When you are ready, take that leap of faith , make your change, and enjoy the results.
Remember a secret to moving forward to creating a better life and/or career is: UNDERSTAND NO ONE OR SITUATION IS PERFECT, BUT IF YOU DON’T MOVE FORWARD YOU MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE LIKE A STONE STATUE AND MISS OUT ON ATTAINING A RICHER, MORE SATISFYING LIFE!
Helen Thamm, APRN, CPC is a licensed therapist in Illinois and Wyoming as well as a Certified Professional Coach, who is a career and wellness specialist. You can obtain free tips on career success and wellness issues at nursecareersuccess.com and you can listen to her career success radio series on the Events Page. Leadership success challenges are met in her new manager’s success toolkit book: “How to Manage with a Magic Wand (No, Don’t Hit Your “Problem Employees” over the Head with it!)” and the bestseller “The Wellness Code” co-authored with Dr. John Ellis, et al which are available at Amazon.com. Helen can be reached for questions at: nursecareersuccess@rtconnect.net or careerreinventions@rtconnect.net .