If you asked me six months ago what my career plan was, the answer would have been different to what it is today. My answer today is, honestly - I’m not sure. The careful plan I made back then was, it turns out, too rigid and not realistic.
And that’s OK. In fact, since letting go of the pressure I’d put on myself to follow one set path, everything’s felt easier.
My managers at work even said that I seem ‘lighter’, and that’s exactly how I feel. Light and free - which is kind of ironic, because my word for the year is ‘freedom’ and I thought the only way to get there was through my very specific plan *face palm*.
Instead, I’m realising that it’s OK to change your mind.
It’s OK to hit the pause button, take a look around and recognise that you don’t want X anymore, or perhaps - just not right now.
It’s also OK to take your sweet time figuring out what you do want and what it is that lights you up. One of the best ways to figure it out, is by trying. So try! Try the things you’re interested in, see what sticks and what falls away over time.
Keep note of what elements of your work make you feel good. Which tasks get you into flow? Which tasks feel like wading through mud to get done? What feels hard? What can you change here?
If finding clarity in your work is something you’re struggling with, grab a pen and paper and complete these journal prompts.
Journal prompts to improve clarity
When I picture my ideal lifestyle, I see…
When I’m working, I want to feel…
When I’m not working, I want to feel…
My favourite part of my work is…
My least favourite part of my work is…
I want more … in my work
I’m going to encourage this by…
I’ve come to learn over the years that when it comes to aspirations, the end vision is more important than the route you take to get there. I know how I want my life to be. I know how I want to feel in my work and as long as I keep that in mind, it really doesn’t matter how I get there.
And I know, I’m saying this from a place of total privilege. My day job is paying my bills so I can afford to take off any pressure to make money from my Blue Jay of Happiness work. I can afford to play around with different ideas because I know it won’t affect whether or not I’ll make rent that month.
I know for others, taking the pressure off, trying new things and changing your mind isn’t so easy. So as always, take what I’m saying with a pinch of salt - we all have different experiences.
What I really want to get across here is that it’s OK to go back on what you thought you wanted. Recognising that the path you’re on isn’t right is a huge step. It takes guts and a huge amount of self-awareness to recognise that, breathe and re-assess.
So, wherever you are on your career path, please know you are entitled to change your mind, have new dreams and tweak your priorities.
Have you ever had this experience of changing your mind? Or are you going through it right now? Let me know in the comments. And if you have a really clear idea of where you want to go with your career, but self-doubt and fear is holding you back, take a look at my self-worth discovery coaching package (on my coaching page).
My aim with this package is to help you acknowledge fear and self-doubt, and use your sense of self-worth to keep going and do the things you want anyway. This is what happens when you have a strong sense of self-worth - fear and self-doubt still crop up, but they don’t stop you.
I hope you found this week’s post helpful, as always - keen to hear your thoughts. I’ll be back next week.
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This was beautiful, really resonated with me. Thanks for the post. Can’t wait to read more.
Thank you, pleased to hear it resonated ☺️❤️