There two times a year that I carry this heavy desire to bust the door to change wide open: New Year's Day and my birthday. I have no clue why I start making a list of the tons of things that I will do in the new year that's any different from the previous year (Don't act like I'm the only one planning to start on my summer body Jan 1). And...for my birthday I attempt a bucket list of things I have never tried. I'm sure you can guess...that's right...I probably get to about 1-2 things done on either list. I can be honest and say some of the things on that list should be part of a De's Book of Fairytales that I write EVERY YEAR. I have things on the list that range from weight loss to dressing a lot girlier than I normally do. (Don't ask me what that looks like as I have yet to accomplish this task.) Seriously...what about when you are really ready to make some changes. In March 2020 when COVID hit, I saw so much change taking place-good and bad. Unfortunately, there was a major impact to the economy, so job loss was at the forefront of a lot of what I saw on my social media feeds and the news. But what I saw unfolding was amazing...I saw a lot of women jumping out and trying something new-changing careers...starting businesses and some even writing books. I thought back to 2016 when I decided to change my career. If I could be honest-this was the first time I made a conscious decision to choose my career and not "land" in a job. I had been a developer for most of my "career", and I was at a point where I didn't like my job at all. I had found a new interest-project management. So, how was I supposed to move from developer to project manager? I had been a developer for 15 years...and now I wanted to try my hand at something that required more than my basic coding classes to keep up with the changing times. Let me be clear...it took about 7 years to graduate from college(I'm like Tina Turner...I don't do anything nice and easy), and I barely made it across that stage. Sidebar: At my graduation my area of study came up last to walk the stage, as we walked around to receive our degree my Uncle Lawrence yelled out, "Why are yall last...are yall lined up by GPA?" HAHAH-listen you have to have thick skin to be in my family. Anywho...I said all that to say-my journey has never been easy and quickly rewarding. It was hard and time-consuming, and I questioned my decisions every step of the way. So when I decided I wanted to switch my career to project management, trust and believe-my conversation with God was, "what is wrong with me...let this light turn red right now if you to tell me I'm losing my mind." It sounds crazy, but this is how I approach change-I talk myself out of it because sometimes the light turns red at that moment 'pray my prayer' and I make that make the most ridiculous sense. LOL But...this time was different. My boss at the time was rooting for me, but she also served as a tour guide to walk with me thru the experience of transitioning to the new field and getting my certification. That kind of support was NECESSARY for me during that time. Isn't it easy when someone is willing to go 'with' us? When I want to lose weight or begin working out...it's always good to have a partner to support you, encourage and sometime eat something sweet after you do it, so you don't bomb the diet alone. The same is to be said about our career.
It's good to have someone to support you, encourage you, annnddddd eat something sweet with you when you fail your certification test. This is the reason #mentors #advocates and #coaches are so important to me. You don't have to go alone. Regardless of your education, background and all the excuses you put in front of you-you have the power to pivot. You may not know the first step or the fifth step-that's okay. Find someone who does.
For wherever you are in your journey of self, don't sweat the details on how you will accomplish this large task in front of you. Look around your village. There is someone who has walked a little further than you that is willing to come back and give you what is NECESSARY for the moment you are in. The moment we are willing to ask for help...the moment it becomes easier.
YOU GOT THIS!
PS. Since you took the time to check out my blog, you get to listen to my newest episode HERE.
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