Stuck in a Self-Help Rut - Chinn Up! - May 15, 2024

Hi everyone! Welcome to another edition of Chinn Up!, your one-stop shop for actionable career advice. Here, we'll tackle the roadblocks that hold you back – from navigating the ever-changing job market to conquering tricky workplace dynamics.

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Today's letter is from someone who has done all the "inside" work but needs help translating that into real-life action:

Dear Brett,

I'm stuck in a rut of my own making. I feel like I'm on a self-improvement treadmill. I've taken every aptitude and career assessment test under the sun, devoured self-help books, and established a daily meditation practice. I keep a gratitude journal (thanks for that tip). I know what my strengths are, what kind of work environment I thrive in, and even have a few dream careers in mind.

The problem is, I know what I should do - update my resume, get a certification, apply for jobs - but I just can't seem to take that first step. Fear or analysis paralysis keeps me frozen. Any advice on how to get out of my head and do something with this self-knowledge?

- K.L.

Dear K.L.,

The great physicist Isaac Newton's First Law states that objects at rest tend to stay at rest unless they’re pushed. And, objects in motion tend to stay in motion, unless something slows them down.

In other words, it's not enough to have knowledge, goals, and a positive/growth mindset. We have to put things in motion. We have to do.

This principle applies to our careers as well. It sounds like you've put a lot of effort into self-discovery, K.L. But as you rightly point out, there's a gap between knowing and doing.

Let's bridge that gap and get you moving towards your dream career. Here are some tips to break free from analysis paralysis and leverage the internal work you've done so far:

• Start small and follow the rule of compound interest: Let's say you decide to run a marathon. The incorrect move would be to hop on a treadmill and sprint for 26 miles. You'll end up sore, exhausted, and probably chuck the whole idea. Instead, you would want to run for 3 minutes, then 5, then 10, etc. When it comes to taking action toward your goals, focus on consistency and increase your effort by 1% every day. This will help you build momentum and feel accomplished and confident, inspiring additional action.
• Prioritize action (any action) over perfection. Need to update your resume? Don't worry about it being perfect - just take the first step and add in your current role! Perfectionism can be a roadblock, and, frankly, it's unachievable. So, aim for progress, not perfection.
• Set deadlines and hold yourself accountable. Schedule specific times in your calendar for taking action – updating your LinkedIn profile, applying for a new position, or contacting someone in your desired field. Tell a friend or family member about your goals and ask them to check in on your progress.
• Focus on the "why." Why are you considering a career change in the first place? When you think about your dream careers, what excites you? How would your life look and feel different if you had that? Reminding yourself of these motivations can fuel action.
• Seek out a career coach or mentor. Talking to someone who's navigated career transitions can offer valuable insights and support. We can also hold you accountable and provide additional tools to get you moving and keep up the momentum!

Remember, small steps and celebrating progress are key. You've invested time in self-discovery, now it's time to put that knowledge into action. With consistent effort, you'll be amazed at how quickly your dream career gets closer. Good luck and Chinn Up!

Want me to answer your question in a future edition? Drop your conundrum in the comments, send it to me via DM, or email it to [email protected] . Interested in my 1:1 coaching services? Book a (free) intro call here .