There is no fence – you just think there is.

Often one of the main barriers to achieving something in our life is our own thinking.  When faced with changes or transitions we often remain fixed in our views and thoughts with regards to what is possible. We see some of our clients creating obstacles in their mind that aren’t really there.

We find that the clients who deal most effectively with this change or transition challenge their thoughts, beliefs and think outside the box to identify some new pathways.  We have observed that an individual’s mindset is a critical factor to what they can achieve. AS Carol Dweck states in her book, Mindset, “Our mindset both propels and prevents us from fulfilling our potential”.

Having an open and flexible mindset can be really valuable and here are several things worth keeping in mind when faced with a challenge or trying to make a change:

• Practice challenging your thinking and use your imagination.
  At each stage of a change identify a number of different ways that you could achieve this step. Create options and then determine your best first choice.
• Be flexible in your thinking.
  As there are often multiple pathways to the same destination, be open to altering your pathway at any point in time based on what you have learnt along the way.
  Be able to let go of a fixed thought that may be proving limiting (such as – “my only option is this”, “it can’t be done any other way”) and replace it with another thought that is more useful and valuable. (e.g. “if there was another way, what would it look like?”)
• Learn from others. Look for examples of others achieving a similar goal to what you are trying to achieve. (i.e. look for clues in their LinkedIn profile; ask questions such as: “What was most helpful to you in achieving this change?” or “What are your top 3 tips for achieving a goal like this?” or consider asking that person to become your mentor.
• Get a different perspective from others as food for thought – especially when you are feeling “stuck” or “in a rut”. A mentor or a person as a sounding board can often help you to clarify your thoughts or provide a new way of looking at a challenge.
• Be honest with yourself. If something is not working then take note and try something else Remember Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is: “To continue to do the same thing and expect a different result”.
• Integrate short meditations into your day to create a calm body and still mind which can then enable you to think more clearly and creatively. It also helps to center you so that you can hear your true inner voice over the “background noise”.
  

  As stated by Eric Harrison in his book, The 5 Minute Meditator, spot meditating (any meditation between 10 seconds and 10 minutes long), “can keep you balanced and clear-minded in the midst of the turmoil”.  

• Persistence with the process. Remain connected to the energy of your desired destination whilst also being open minded as to how and when you will get there. Also, stay open to the possibility of your end goal changing as a result of what you learn along the way about yourself, an industry, the current market or even a particular company.
• Move daily. Whether it be a walk, some stretching or any exercise you prefer as this will generate those “feel good” hormones such as endorphins and serotonin to help you remain positive, focus your mind and maintain resilience.
• Take some time to do something you enjoy. This can help to boost your energy and keep a clear perspective on life during a change.
• Try to maintain your sense of humour. This may sound crazy but being able to lighten up and see the “funny side” of a situation is really helpful for keeping your mind open, nimble and flexible which is essential for effective thinking.

So, find the courage to broaden your thinking and see how the fences in your mind can transform or disappear. As has been the case for many of our clients, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can create in your life.

Client Testimonials

“Many thanks again for providing me with such an appropriate and highly comforting sounding board format over the past few sessions. It has without doubt helped me with my thinking, and with positively anticipating my future, thank you.” Project Mgr, Major Utility

“CLT has provided me a confidential space to review ideas/ concepts for career moves. It has allowed me to identify my strengths and areas to further develop in order to provide clarity for future direction.“ Nadine White

“Jen has been a valuable help in working with my career transition. I have gained a lot of knowledge and the tools to move forward in the next stage of my career choices. Jen’s information and expertise has really made a positive impact and will help me immensely in the future. Thank you, Jen it has been great working with you and all the team at Career Life Transitions.” Deb Harris

About the Author 

Jennifer Schuiling is a professional career coach with expertise in the areas of coaching for mindset development in the areas of leadership, together with development strategy and design, culture change and performance at Career Life Transitions.