Two choices: New Year, New Job, New Life OR Same Job, Illusion of Safety/Comfort and Same Pains

Do you blame 2020?

This weekend we are going to set our clocks back and people are jokingly saying “I don’t want an extra hour of 2020. I want this year to end.” Many people are anxiously waiting for January 2021 as if this year’s problems would magically disappear over-night. That’s ridiculous. I agree that this is an exceptionally challenging year for most of us (including me) but the problems we face are going to take time to solve. Coronavirus cases are on the rise. The election next week is likely to cause more social unrest no matter who is elected or how long it takes to get the final results. Colleges and universities are still dealing with enormous challenges and budget cuts. That’s just being realistic, not even pessimistic.

So, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to blame 2020 for your discomfort and passively wait for things to improve, or are you going to take charge? While you can’t control the virus, the elections, or the economy, you are 100% in control of how you think, how you make decisions, and how you act.

Stop waiting!

Are you happy at your current job? If you’re not, can you step up as transformational leader and make positive changes? Or is it time to move on to another position elsewhere? The two main reasons I don’t want you to just sit and wait for things to get better are that (1) when we don’t change, nothing changes, so you may be waiting in vain, (2) waiting causes frustration, lowers motivation, engagement, and creativity, and makes you weaker and less resourceful as a leader. Apathy breeds discouragement and feeds fear.

On the other hand, if you decide to take responsibility for your life and your career, you will regain a sense of power and control that will re-energize you, before you even begin to make changes! It’s the difference between living as a victim of circumstances or living as an empowered leader. You don’t need anything external to change in order for you to decide to change. So, do it! You’ll be glad you did.

Thinking of a new job?

If you’re thinking of getting a new job but obsessing about your insecurities and being afraid to fail at a new leadership position because of COVID, you are actively self-sabotaging. Stop using your imagination to create a picture in your mind of what you don’t want to see happen. Instead, paint a picture of what you do want to see happen. Once you’re excited about a new goal and you can see it in your mind’s eye, you will find solutions and resources to succeed. Think about how you are going to succeed instead of why you can’t.

Wanting to make improvements at your current job?

People often get discouraged when they talk about change they want to lead at their current job because up until this point, they haven’t been successful at implementing their vision. They tried and it didn’t work. Or even worse, they never tried. Either way, they keep thinking the same thoughts and reaching the conclusion that there is no solution. That is nonsense! Please understand that doing more of what you’ve been doing cannot possibly create change. You have to unlearn what has kept you stuck and learn new strategies. It may be true that you can’t succeed with the tools and skills you have now, but who said you can’t gain new tools and new skills? You work in education. Shouldn’t you believe in lifelong learning???

Let this be a wake-up call

Right now, many of your peers are discouraged and struggling, but some are thriving. The difference isn’t easier circumstances but mindset. Those who feel victimized spend time talking about how bad things are. Those who feel empowered spend time improving what can be improved. Where focus goes, energy flows, and feelings are amplified.

There are two months left this year. You can decide to set new goals for yourself and for your department and do what it takes to make 2021 the best year possible. Or if you believe your hands are tied at your current institution, get serious about job-hunting. Will layoffs make the job market more competitive? Probably yes. But there’s also a wave of tired administrators choosing to retire sooner than originally planned... Remember that the best time to get a new job is when you still have one. So, don’t wait for life to force you to be brave. Be brave now.

What you need to succeed

To succeed, you need someone who will wake you up from the illusion of powerlessness every time you forget how capable you really are. Someone who will keep you focused, strong, empowered, and resourceful. Whether you look for a new job or choose to improve your current situation, you will need to gain more self-confidence, become more influential, improve your communication skills, and sharpen your executive presence. I invite you to click here and schedule a complimentary call with me to discuss how we can work together to make 2021 extraordinary. Talk to you soon.

Source: https://thrivinginadmin.com/blogs/2020/10/29/two-choices-new-year-new-job-new-life-or-same-job-illusion-of-safetycomfort-and-same-pains

About the author: Dr. Audrey Reille has empowered thousands of professionals through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, speaking engagements, and online courses. Audrey is the go-to coach for leaders in higher education administration. She empowers them to thrive by reducing stress, optimizing strategies, improving professional relationships, and developing a strong and empowered mindset. For more information and free resources, visit https://thrivinginadmin.com