Part 3 of a 3-part series, Pushing Through the Fear

Get information and take advantage of resources in support of your goal. Information and experimentation can take the fear out of the unknown. 

Regardless of what specific career path you’ve chosen, the more prepared and knowledgeable you are about your prospective career choice, the easier the transition and job acquisition will be. Take time to nurture your goal. There are no shortcuts in getting what you want, but at least you are working toward a goal and vision that you can own rather than one that was handed to you as default because supposedly “people with a degree in __________ do this ___________ (fill in the career)” or “people your age do that__________” (fill in the career)—or any other standard line you’ll hear.

To be prepared for your goal, do your research into the support and resources available to you. Keep in mind your particular accomplishments, and the skill sets and advantages you bring to the table. Then look into how you can grow and develop any key skills. That includes taking time for workshops, coaching, and support groups. You may also read personal and professional development books, perhaps these are outside of your normal reading material, but they can help stimulate new ideas and open up new subjects and ways of working. You may also take a part-time job, freelance gig, or internship to prepare you for a career transition.

Finally, keep a list of your accomplishments visible.  I often recommend that my coaching clients jot their proudest or most relevant professional accomplishments on colorful index cards and keep them in a visible place like their nightstand, wallet, or bathroom mirror. This small act will remind you how great you are and how much you’ve done to this point in your career, which is particularly reassuring when you’re headed into new territory.

What are some ways that you push past fear in accomplishing personal and professional goals? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

Miss the first two parts? You can read part 1 here, and part 2 here. 

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