How to Find Your Next Career Move With Unshakeable Confidence
Read time: 5 minutes
Welcome to Future-state Thinking, my weekly newsletter where I give actionable content, insights and tools for business and personal growth from my experience as an innovator and entrepreneur.
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Reach your potential future-state by learning today:
- 3 core strategies to make your career move
- 6 ways to find your path
Hi Reader,
One recurring question I receive is, ‘How did I make a career change’? This question came up again this week when a future-state reader told me they are having a challenge identifying their next career move.
The problem is that it’s not merely about the lack of opportunities or resources; often, it boils down to a deeper issue.
It’s the uncertainty and doubt about making a career transition.
When contemplating a career shift, the apprehension of entering a new field, the potential for failure, or the fear of judgment from peers can be particularly paralysing. This is especially true when you’re aiming to transition to a role that demands new skills and a different level of expertise.
Having navigated three big career changes myself, I understand these concerns intimately. Over the years, I’ve developed strategies to overcome these fears, and the impact on my professional growth has been profound.
I approach new opportunities with confidence, I can adapt and learn rapidly, and I am confident in my capacity to succeed.
Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve distilled three core strategies to help you find your next career move with unwavering confidence.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Focus on learning and development rather than immediate success.
- Acknowledge that everyone starts somewhere: Every expert was once a novice. Embrace the learning curve as a necessary step towards mastery.
- Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Errors are part of the growth process. Instead of fearing them, see them as valuable lessons.
- Cultivate curiosity: Stay curious and open to new experiences. This mindset will drive you to explore and discover new possibilities.
Remember, comparing your first steps to someone else’s years of experience is neither fair nor productive. Visualise your long-term growth instead.
Build a Supportive Network
Fear of judgement and self-doubt often stem from a lack of support. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
- Seek out mentors and allies: Connect with individuals who have successfully navigated career transitions. Their insights and encouragement can be invaluable.
- Engage with professional communities: Join groups or networks related to your interest. These communities can provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Foster positive relationships: Maintain connections with people who believe in your potential and encourage growth.
A robust support system can bolster your confidence and motivate you during your career transition.
Celebrate Your Progress
Recognising your achievements, no matter how small, can significantly boost your confidence.
- Set achievable goals: Break down your career transition into manageable steps. This makes the process more manageable and attainable.
- Track your progress: Record your milestones. Seeing tangible evidence of your growth can be highly motivating.
- Reward your efforts: Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how minor it may seem. Acknowledging your progress reinforces positive behaviour and builds confidence.
Accumulating small victories can lead to significant confidence over time.
By implementing these strategies, you can mitigate the fear and uncertainty that often accompany career transitions. It’s a gradual process, but with persistence and the right approach, you can find your next career move with unshakeable confidence.
6 Ways to Find Your Path
Discovering the right career path can be a transformative journey. I created a cheat sheet based on the models that have helped me make my career moves.
Check it out below!
Here are six powerful approaches to help you find your way:
1) Zone of Genius
Your Zone of Genius is where your greatest passion meets your greatest talent. It’s the area where you are most capable and most fulfilled. To identify your Zone of Genius, consider:
- What activities do you excel at effortlessly?
- Which tasks make you lose track of time because you enjoy them so much?
Focusing on these can lead you to a career that feels both rewarding and natural.
2) Flow State
The Flow State, often called “in the zone,” is when you are fully immersed and energized in an activity. To find your flow:
- Reflect on activities that make you lose track of time.
- Identify tasks that challenge you just enough to keep you engaged but not overwhelmed.
Aligning your career with activities that induce a flow state can lead to greater satisfaction and productivity.
3) Adam Leipzig’s 5 Questions
Adam Leipzig’s method involves answering five key questions to uncover your life purpose:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Who do you do it for?
- What do those people want or need?
- How do they change as a result?
Answering these questions can provide clarity and direction for your career choices.
4) Golden Circle (Plus One)
Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle framework encourages starting with ‘Why’:
- Who and who with: Who is at the centre of your goals?
- Why: Understand why you do what you do. What drives you?
- How: Determine how you do it. What sets you apart?
- What: Define what you do. What is your offering?
Starting with ‘Why’ can help you build a career aligned with your core beliefs and motivations.
5) Daniel Pink’s Drive
Daniel Pink identifies three elements of intrinsic motivation:
- Autonomy: The desire to direct our own lives.
- Mastery: The urge to get better at something that matters.
- Purpose: The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves.
Finding a career that satisfies these elements can lead to deeper engagement and fulfilment.
6) DUCTRI Model – Intentional Design
The DUCTRI model stands for Discover, Understand, Create, Test, Reflect, and Implement. This design thinking approach involves:
- Discovering – Explore your interests
- Understanding – Your core drivers and principles
- Creating – What are potential options?
- Testing – Honing in and trying a few ideas
- Resourcing – What gaps? Who can help? Your support?
- Implementing – Focus on iteration, mastery and impact
The DUCTRI model can help you systematically explore and pursue career paths that resonate with you.
Each method offers a unique lens through which to view your career journey. By exploring them, you can better understand your strengths, motivations, and aspirations, ultimately guiding you towards a fulfilling career path.
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