Do you ever find yourself feeling lost when it comes to your career? Maybe you have no idea where you want to go or what you want to do? It’s a common challenge that many face at some point, and it’s one that can hinder your progress and success.
In this blog, I’ll explore the challenge of not having a career vision and why it can be such a struggle.
A Vision Cannot Be Created if We Are in Survival Mode
When you’re in survival mode, it’s difficult to think about anything other than getting through the day. You may be focused on paying your bills, staying afloat, and making sure that you and your family have basic needs met. During times like these, it can be incredibly hard to think about long-term career goals. After all, when you’re just trying to survive – it’s tough to be strategic.
This can be a tremendous challenge when it comes to your career. Without a vision, you may find yourself being reactive rather than proactive in your job search. You may jump from one job to the next without thinking about how each role fits into your overall career trajectory. This can lead to a lack of focus and direction, making it difficult to reach your career goals.
So, what can you do if you’re in survival mode? It’s essential to take some time to prioritise your needs so that you can move beyond the mindset of just getting by.
This might mean taking some time to reassess your budget, finding ways to reduce expenses, or even considering taking on a side hustle to help supplement your income. Once you’ve stabilised your situation, you’ll be better equipped to think about your long-term career goals and develop a vision that aligns with your values and aspirations.
A Vision Can Be Tainted by Our Limiting Beliefs
Another challenge when it comes to creating a career vision is our own limiting beliefs. We all have beliefs about ourselves and the world around us that can hold us back. Maybe you’ve been told your whole life that you’re not good enough or that you’ll never amount to anything. These beliefs can be incredibly damaging and can make it hard to see what’s possible for your career.
Limiting beliefs can affect the way you think about your career and the goals you set for yourself. For example, if you believe that you’re not capable of achieving a certain goal, you may not even try. Or if you believe that you’re not deserving of success, you may hold yourself back from pursuing opportunities that could lead to growth and fulfilment.
Perhaps the limiting beliefs are not about yourself but the world around you. My industry works this way. The economy is bad. The job market is saturated. Companies want someone younger, and so on.
So, how can you overcome your limiting beliefs and create a career vision that aligns with your potential? Start by acknowledging your beliefs and questioning whether they’re really true.
Often, our limiting beliefs are based on outdated or inaccurate information that’s no longer relevant. By challenging these beliefs, you can begin to see new possibilities for your career. You can also seek out support from a coach or mentor who can help you identify and overcome any limiting beliefs that are holding you back.
Taking Action Can Create Clarity and Gives Us the Data We Need to See a New Vision
Finally, one of the most significant challenges of not having a career vision is that it can be tough to see the path ahead. Without a clear sense of direction, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what steps to take next. However, taking action can be incredibly powerful when it comes to gaining clarity and finding a new vision.
When you take action, you’re gathering data. You’re learning about your strengths and weaknesses, what you enjoy about your work and what drains you, and what opportunities are available to you. This information can be incredibly valuable when it comes to creating a career vision that aligns with who you are and what you want.
So, where do you start when it comes to taking action? Begin by exploring different job opportunities or careers that interest you. Volunteer or take on work projects that align with your interests to gain experience and learn more about what you enjoy doing. Attend networking events or workshops with professionals who are doing work that you admire.
These steps can help you gather valuable data about yourself and your career aspirations, which can ultimately lead to a newfound sense of clarity and focus.
I get it, when we find ourselves feeling paralysed, it can be difficult to know where to start in order to move forward. However, getting curious can be a powerful tool to help us overcome this feeling of being stuck.
Instead of judging ourselves or our situation, we can begin to explore with an open mind and see possibilities that we might not have considered before. Curiosity helps us to ask questions, and by doing so, we can identify what is getting in our way and start to brainstorm ways to overcome it.
By embracing curiosity, we can approach our challenges with warmth and compassion, allowing us to take steps towards progress and growth.
In conclusion, not having a career vision can be a significant challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. By acknowledging the obstacles that stand in your way, challenging your limiting beliefs, and taking action, you can create a career vision that aligns with your values and aspirations. And in doubt, always seek support! You do not have to figure it out all on your own.
