Mindful Consideration of Professional Choices
I’m at my happiest place when I’m diving into conversations about choices—both the ones people have made and the ones they’re currently facing. I feel fortunate to engage in them on a daily basis. As I share snippets with you in posts, I hope you’ll put yourself in their shoes and consider what you can apply to your own life.
Hayley’s Career-Defining Decision
When it comes to professional choices, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new opportunities. Instead, how about pausing more mindfully and inspecting the details more closely?
Creating an Exploration Map
When my client, Hayley, faced a career-defining decision, instead of rushing into it, I encouraged her to take the time for thoughtful consideration. Her fear and excitement at the prospect of being able to work with her dream client inspired her to create an Exploration Map—a roadmap for exploring the possibilities and potential challenges that lay ahead.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Making a Professional Choice
Through these questions, Hayley was able to visualize the positive outcomes and benefits of taking this opportunity:
- What would make this position exciting and fulfilling?
- In what ways could this role help her grow personally and professionally?
- What were the key elements that made an ideal working relationship?
- And what strategies would she use to deal with her fears and limiting beliefs?
Visualizing Positive Outcomes and Benefits
She imagined herself working alongside a talented team, developing new skills and making valuable connections. To have financial stability and more potential to create wealth for herself and her family supported her to release feelings she’d had around scarcity.
Navigating Challenges and Uncomfortable Realizations
But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. With her current clients, Hayley had to decide whether to scale back or walk away, as she no longer found purpose or meaning in working with them. It was unsettling to think that she’d be dependent on one client.
- What if it didn’t work out?
- What would her backup plan be?
- Would she have time for other projects that mattered to her?
Delving into the Details for Informed Choices
As Hayley deliberated, she came to some uncomfortable realizations. She had to admit that she’d been staying with a few clients largely for the money, and she wanted to be driven by purpose first, money second.
Making Hard Choices and Finding Satisfaction
I share Hayley’s journey as a reminder of the power of delving into the details before making a decision that shapes your career. Taking time to consider your possibilities, confront your fears, and envision your desired outcomes can lead to more informed choices and greater satisfaction.
Trusting the Process of Making a Professional Choice
Stepping into a new situation may mean making hard choices. Should you find yourself at your own professional crossroads, I encourage you to consider your options carefully. Explore the nuances, ask the tough questions, and trust that the answers will point you in the right direction.
Further Guidance and Support
P.S. If you’re looking for additional guidance and support in making a professional choice, I invite you to explore Chapter 9 of The Book of Choice. In this chapter, I delve into a variety of thought-provoking questions that will help you navigate the complexities of making a professional choice so you can gain valuable insights and find the clarity you need to make your decision with confidence.
Gain Momentum with the Momentum Experience
P.P.S. If you’re feeling stuck and ready to gain momentum and take decisive action towards a goal, join me for the Momentum Experience, a personalized 1:1 session designed to look at what you want, what’s in the way of getting it, and what action to take to get you there. I’ll guide you beneath the surface of your choice to relieve any feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. We’ll figure out realistic and achievable steps you can take now to generate momentum.
