In order to find out your ideal work it's important that you're able to answer these 3 questions in this order:
1. Who am I?
2. What do I want?
3. How do I get it?
However, although there are proven steps you can take in order to find the answers to these questions, the one thing in my experience that stops potential career transitioners (is that a real word?) from making successful progress is their limiting beliefs. It could be beliefs they have about themselves or beliefs they have about the world of work. This is an issue I tackle with my clients very early on in the process. Here are 10 beliefs I often hear...
1. No one really loves their job
2. My family and friends will think I'm crazy
3. I'll be throwing away my years of experience
4. I can't afford a drop in salary
5. I don't have any transferable skills
6. I'm safe where I am. I know what is expected of me here and I can do it well.
7. If I get my head down I'll learn to like this job
8. I'm too old
9. I have lost my cofidence
10. They'll laugh at my CV
Do any of these sound familiar to you? There are plenty of others and the key point is not whether they are true or not, but whether they are having an impact on you and the decisions you make. If your beliefs are stopping you moving from your current work towards something you would really enjoy, you need to take action.
The first step is to identify that crippling belief. This isn't easy, but when you're having conversations about your career progress, start to become aware of the language you're using and the thoughts that come into your head when you allow yourself to dream of a better career.
Then you need to identify where that belief has come from and the evidence for the conclusion you have drawn.
Then it's important that you look for contrary evidence. You may not want to, because for some reason we like to hold on to these beliefs because they keep us safe and give us a reason for maintaining the status quo. But the evidence will be there if you look hard enough although you may need help from a good friend.
Once you find the evidence you need to hold on to it and use it as a positive affirmation whenever the doubts reappear - trust me, they will. This evidence will be the key to unlock your door of uncertainty. It's futile to simply say 'I can do this'. You need that proof.
Changing your beliefs is no easy task but it's a vital one if you are serious about finding work you love.