Lighten up, You’ll Eventually Get There

It’s always awkward whenever I try to talk to people about what they do for living. I observed that a lot of them seems to be waiting for a particular milestone; may it be landing a specific job, promotion, starting a business, or switching jobs. Most of the time, they’re just going through daily motions, waiting for the big “it” which causes them to miss special moments even opportunities around them.

Or maybe it’s just me, I am the awkward one. I admit, I am one of those people labeled extremely anxious. I worry a lot and sometimes I feel like what I am doing isn’t good enough, but I’ve found ways to calm my nerves especially during times of career transition.

I keep in mind the following principles:

Whatever you are doing now is part of your story, therefore, part of a bigger picture.

It took me 11 years, about 6 different job titles, 3 industries and 2 kids before I finally summon the courage to be an entrepreneur. While this fact is a little bit upsetting when I think of all the accomplishments my peers were fulfilling during that time, I needed those eleven years. I wouldn’t have the experience that I did if it had turned out any differently. I’m living one of my goals today — being my own boss — because of who I met and what I did while performing my employment and other side jobs. While not progressing as quickly as you might want can be frustrating, pay attention to what you’re learning in that moment. Appreciate daily growths and small triumphs.

Uncertainty is the best teacher.

“We all have fear of the unknown, what one does with that fear will make all the difference in the world” — Lillian Russell

The unknown is considered to be a major anxiety driver for a lot of us. We want a solid path; a direction or we want assurance of our decisions. One thing you can do to embrace progress is to be friends with uncertainty. Sounds counterintuitive, but try imagining what life would feel like if you had all the answers handy for every event. My honest thought: it’s not so exciting. Life would feel staged and uneventful. The more we confront the unknown, the more we learn about ourselves and the more we fortify our purpose. I also try to remember that regardless of the outcome of something uncertain, I am the captain of my ship, and I’m going where I need to go and living the life I want to live.

People need YOU.

We are inclined to believe that we will somehow be able to do more, be more, change more, and help more once certain milestones are achieved. This is our anxious self talking. We can be who we want to be and do most of what we want without achieving that promotion, landing that big account or getting that job. Sometimes we forget that while chasing our ambitions we’re also running past opportunities to use our abilities we have for people who need us now. Slow down and see where you and your special skills are needed right where you are.

Get inspiration from your personal role model.

Did you know that your role model’s life hardly went as planned. They too are like you and me. They had doubts, fears, and were not always sure about certain choices. But they manage to come out on top and even went on to inspire you and countless others. Draw parallels between their life and yours and remind yourself that the obstacles and anxieties you encounter aren’t stumbling blocks to success and dreams fulfilled, but completely normal bumps in the road that will help you make better decisions, ultimately, the best person you can be.

Treat yourself.

Find a happy place and indulge in it whenever possible. Whatever that may be, make it a priority in your time and budget to engage in these activities. If needed, scale back on other commitments or overhead costs. Acknowledge that a happy you is an important requirement to get where you need to be.