How to Tell When You Are Rolling

One of the things I’ve learned working with people moving through career changes is that sometimes they can’t see where they are in the process or how they are doing. In fact, they often interpret something I know to be a great sign of progress, as a failure or a sign that their situation is hopeless.

When I observe any of the following, I know my client is on the right track! Although these may be hard to see in yourself, keep watch. If you are working with a Career Clarity Coach, she’ll help you see these signs. Congratulate yourself when you see these patterns in yourself.

You Realize Some Issues Seem Really Important to You and Others Seem Completely Irrelevant

That’s fine. In fact, that’s great because it tells you something about your unique set of needs and interests. Although you might be tempted to skip the sections that don’t pique your interest, do take the time to answer all the questions to the best of your ability because sometimes, when you least expect it, you discover something about yourself you’ve never known before! And sometimes that very discovery becomes the piece of the puzzle that helps you find what you are searching for.

Although this result may lead you to feel you are missing something important, it’s usually a sign that you are right on target! Your clues are showing you that you are interested in a particular topic. Don’t discount it; pay attention!

This result can either be frustrating if you were hoping for an entirely new idea or reassuring if it lets you know you are on the right track. In any event, stay objective. Don’t jump into action just yet. Stay with the process—answering the questions as truthfully and ideally as you can. As you proceed, you may discover additional clues about your future.

Suddenly you begin to see yourself from a new perspective and, as a result, you have “Aha’s” that allow you to look in new directions. Great! Accept these gifts with open arms!

You meet people, you find new resources you didn’t even know you were looking for, and you begin to see how pieces of your past have prepared you for where you are. This can be an exhilarating time! Enjoy the experience.

One day you’ll wake up and you’ll be raring to go—a clear sign that you have turned a corner. As you know, changing careers and changing your identity are processes that take a lot of focus, energy, and determination. As things start fitting into place, you won’t have to push so hard, and you’ll have more energy to guide yourself forward. There’s nothing quite like this feeling. It always feels so great, especially if you’ve been in a muddle for very long!