I’m back this month with another Ask Me Anything session within Creating Careers to Enjoy. It seems that many of us are in a reflective mood, and some are feeling a bit disheartened that you’re not where you thought you’d be by this point in the year. If that is you, let me reassure you aren’t alone. If you find you are stuck in the “mid-year blues” then this month’s question and answer may be useful. Read on for June 2024’s Ask Me Anything Q&A.
“I’m just not where I’d thought I’d be by this point in the year. How can I stay motivated and confident?”
If this concern resonates, then let me share with you the tried and tested tools to help you move into a more positive mindset.
Acknowledge your feelings
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognise and accept your feelings. It’s perfectly okay to feel disappointed or frustrated. The emotions you have can help as a compass for what you need to do next. For example, frustration usually shows that the end goal is still important to you! Self-criticism can be a major motivation killer, so instead, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation.
Reflect on your progress.
When we’re focused on what we haven’t accomplished, we often overlook the milestones we have reached already. So, take a moment to write down your achievements over the past months, no matter how small they may seem. Reflecting on these successes can provide a much-needed confidence boost and remind you of your capabilities. It may also show you that you are further forward than you may initially have believed! It may also uncover what unexpected challenges and progress you have made!
Do you still want “it”?
Now it’s time to reassess your goals. It’s not unusual to find your needs and wants to have changed; what you thought you wanted 6 months (or more ago) isn’t relevant anymore. This may be because your initial plan may have been too ambitious or not entirely aligned with your current circumstances or values. Or (and this may have become clear when looking at your progress) that “enough” or the end goal now looks different.
Take this time to reassess and adjust your goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) is a simple but efficient way of creating a plan for goals.
Create your vision!
Visual reminders can be powerful motivators. Create a vision board with images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and aspirations. Place it somewhere you’ll see daily, so you’re constantly reminded of what you’re working towards and why it’s important to you. Or, if you prefer, journal, list or develop an online inspiration board.
Seek support and accountability
Don’t underestimate the power of a supportive network. Share your goals and challenges with friends, family, mentors or a coach. Consider finding an accountability partner—someone who can help keep you on track and motivated. This can be personal, professional or even virtual!
Make sure you keep your inspiration tank full. Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch talks by people who inspire you. Surround yourself with positive influences that remind you of why you’re pursuing your goals in the first place.
Take regular action!
With all of this in mind, don’t forget to take small, regular actions. Start with small tasks that can give you a sense of achievement; this will create momentum, which then fuels motivation, which makes you want to continue. I think you get the drift!
With all this in mind, remember that progress isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to adjust your path along the way. By reflecting, reassessing, and taking deliberate action, you can find your motivation and confidence again, with what every YOUR version of success is!
You can read the previous Q&As here!
Would you like some support in reaching your career and life goals? Reach out to hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk or book an insight call directly through this link
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
