Here's how you can maintain confidence in challenging career situations.

You are who YOU are, not the sum of career discomforts or successes. Can recall my first day as the youngest female, store manager of a men's clothier. That location was beautifully diverse, affluent- financially. Emotionally though, not so much. The team I was hired to lead had massive concern, along with little tact when expressing those concerns. I had a choice; Quit or Grow. For me it was that simple... Could cry over hurt feelings or live with unmet needs. The latter wasn't optional. It was uncomfortable to remind adults (in age solely), that they were hires, present only because they accepted work with the company and as their supervisor, I was there to aid them in accomplishing that goal. I stayed. We did great things together.

It is favorable to maintain poise and proactiveness in sight of change instead of being fearful/reactive. When faced with unexpected shifts in your industry, surely take a moment to acknowledge all your emotions especially unpleasant ones. Journal if needed to organize your thoughts/feelings. As time progresses, be self-compassionate and work with yourself on mindset shifting. Reach out to colleagues and trusted personnel for support and companionship.

Moreover, seeking support from mentors, peers, or professional networks can provide valuable guidance and encouragement during times of change. Sharing experiences and learning from others who have navigated similar transitions can help you adapt more smoothly and reinforce your confidence in managing new challenges.

Set goals that help you maintain good standing within your industry. From my observation, life is an ebb and flow with constant changes and cycles. Consider the importance of setting goals, and adopting new knowledge/skills that help you level up in your career goals. Not only will acquiring new knowledge and skills give you a confidence boost, but also help you be more well-rounded in the specific areas you have an interest.

Positive self-talk follows self-compassion. Truly, it's easy being your own worst critic. And, generally, your brain's (nervous system) main goal is to keep you safe and comfortable. Anything you desire to do outside of your comfort or what your brain deems as "unsafe" will be challenging. Your nervous system will drag you down, back into your comfort corner. In these situations, it is even more necessary to have positive self-love talk and be your own best cheerleader. The more you practice self-talk/self-compassion, the easier it will be. In the long run, you'll also reassure your nervous system that you can do hard things, AND excel in them!

Moreover, cultivating a growth mindset can complement positive self-talk. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than viewing them as threats to your confidence. By reframing setbacks as temporary obstacles and focusing on the lessons they provide, you can maintain a resilient and optimistic outlook, further reinforcing your confidence in your abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Furthermore, consider seeking feedback not only from supervisors or mentors but also from peers and clients. Different perspectives can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and strengths you may not have recognized. Embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, ultimately strengthening your confidence in your abilities to adapt and excel in your professional endeavors.

Routine self-reflection and assessment help you evaluate your actions and behaviors. Pair self-reflection (journaling) with MI questions (how will I achieve XYZ, am I living true to myself?) to help empower you for confidence, growth and resiliency.

También conocido como el momento de las recaídas, es importante considerar que aunque hagas planes para conseguir tus objetivos, no todo será perfecto o sin errores. Ser compasivo, es decir, tener curiosidad por lo que pasó, valor para reconocerlo y ser amable consigo mismo, es fundamental para no ser nuestros peores críticos y retomar el camino.

Moreover, fostering self-compassion is integral to cultivating resilience. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times. Recognize that setbacks are a natural part of any career journey and that self-compassion enables you to bounce back stronger. By nurturing resilience and self-compassion, you can navigate career challenges with a steadfast sense of confidence and determination.