We are living in a new world, a new reality. We are no longer who we were two years ago.
If you are reading this, you have now experienced a global pandemic, the impact of which cannot be understated. As much as we’d like to return to normal, we have already changed. We have been changed by circumstances, so normal may not look and feel the same anymore. We are viewing our reality through a new lens and many of us are feeling called to new things. Maybe a whole new life.
However, sometimes even just starting a small, new project from scratch takes courage. The courage to accept that it is something we’d like to do, that we either never thought of before or never admitted to ourselves ... and our partners, friends, family, etc. The fear of failure, of looking arrogant for trying something new with some expectation of success, something we have no experience in, can be challenging to overcome.
More often than not, those inner longings are significant to our fulfilment. We can change jobs, move house, take fun vacations, and while these can all be wonderful, when there is a new path calling that we continue to ignore, no distraction from it will ever truly satisfy and the restlessness will endure.
Many of my clients come to me looking for more freedom in their lives. Freedom to do more of what they love. Often, one of the main obstacles to following a path they are dreaming of, is what people they surround themselves with will think. Yet, when we place too much value on external validation, we give our power away as life becomes about others’ opinions instead of our own, creating a great deal of stress and lack of satisfaction.
A desire to belong is a natural consequence of being human, but when we’ve outgrown the life we have created for ourselves in some way, our inherent need to continue to expand and learn lets itself be known. Sometimes, this need to expand and continue growing takes us down a path that is familiar and comfortable to ourselves and those around us. Sometimes, it asks for a small change. Sometimes it demands a complete U-turn. It will be different for each one of us and the less we place undue value in what others think, the freer we will be to listen to our inner guidance, finding fulfilment in our lives as a result.
For those of us whose souls seem to constantly demand sharp turn after sharp turn, I see you. Our true nature constantly looks to push the boundaries of what is expected of us by family and peers. It’s a challenging path, but it disrupts traditions and beliefs that don’t suit everyone, allowing others who want to live in a similar way to do the same.
But whether you are looking to find the courage to just take a class in a new subject or whether you want to take a big leap of sorts, how do you find the courage to start from scratch something you’ve never done before?
1) Ask yourself, honestly: “What do I need in order to feel more comfortable taking the first step?” Save money? Find support? Block time in advance to prepare? What do you need to feel safer getting started? Then visualize it being done. Does it then feel more comfortable to move forward? Do that first.
2) Prioritise your wellbeing. Support yourself with meditative practices, body movement and nutritious food. Whatever is possible for you, available to you and fun to do. It will build the foundation for any new endeavour you take on.
3) Cultivate the attitude of a lifelong learner. Practice adopting a learner’s mindset, proactively pursuing learning in your day-to-day activities. What is the value of being curious? How does it feel when you allow your curiosity to guide you? It will not only help motivate getting started on something new now, but will allow you to become adaptable and agile as personal career demands and how we work in general continues to change and evolve in the future.
4) Don’t share your new plans or venture with people who may not support you until you’re ready and feeling confident. Do yourself a favour at first by finding people who will respond to your new career project with “How awesome!” or something similar. It is your own personal project and when the time comes to share, you will find that most people will admire your courage for having attempted something new. If they don’t, you’ve gone and done it anyway :-) As life coach Marie Forleo says: When someone criticizes you, it defines who they are, not who you are.
5) Read any or all of my other blog posts. They address how to create a career you love, at a pace that is right for you.
I hope these have helped expand your vision of what is possible for you. If ongoing support from a coach or mentor is what you need to be able to find the courage to start something new, book a complimentary introduction to coaching call here today to get started.
I will love to speak with you!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash