“How am I ever going to do this?” I’ve thought that thought many times. Many times. And not only in the middle of a legs workout. I remember staring, eyes burning, at my text book at university feeling as if I would never be out on the other side, as if my mind was made of cement, not sponge, and the words and understanding would never be mine. I remember being given a new job at an events company and having to organise a huge event for lots of important people and, let me tell you, I was convinced I would not be able to do it.
Recently, I was on a project with an international team which required so much complexity that the scope was three to five years. How is that even possible, you may ask? Oh, it’s possible. When I started realising what was expected of me I honestly believed without any shadow of doubt that I was going to mess this up and never be employed again in my life.
This horrible feeling, although unpleasant, actually signifies personal growth. After all, there is no room for growth in your comfort zone. But you can rest assured that by pushing yourself through these situations, it’s likely you’ll discover you’re far more capable than you realised.
Here are four of the most common situations that make us feel incredibly uncomfortable and how to overcome them.
1. You have no direction in your career
You are responsible for your career growth. I know it’s far more comfortable to believe that someone is going to arrive at your house with your perfect job packaged in a box and a pack of business cards at the side. This doesn’t usually happen. You find your career direction through trial and error. What is important is that you realise you have choices here – take the reigns. Make some decisions and build your own development plans to reach them. Whatever field you are in, you should try and connect with people in the positions you wish to aspire to. They can make great mentors and provide you with valuable insights to help you move forward. You don’t have to be overwhelmed – if you are diligent and work at this you can end up in a happy place in your career.
2. You are worried your career is too hard
When you are in a position or field that you find really hard it is easy to become overwhelmed and filled with self-doubt. Don’t forget that the people that it looks like this came naturally to have been doing this role for ages. It’s always hard at the beginning when you are learning the skills. Slow down, take each day as it comes, and try to do your best. Remember why you are passionate about this sector and why you got into it in the first place. Don’t give up until you have given it enough time. Many people opt out of something they would be very good at if they persevered.
3. You are concerned because you don’t 100% love your job
Many people feel like they have to love, love, love their job. This isn’t true – no matter what occupation you have there will be things you love more and less. I completely agree that your vocation should line up with your passions, but don’t let this deceive you into thinking you should “drop it like it’s hot.” Even if you reach a mighty CEO position in a highly reputable company, you may still take no joy in reprimanding and firing employees. Going through the blips without backing off is usually what gets you to the place you want to be.
4. Someone criticises your work
Feedback: one of the hardest things on the planet to receive. It’s not easy to hear your work isn’t good, especially when you have worked hard and given it the best you can. Instead of seeing the negative side of this you should see the positive – there is always something to learn from every experience and your entire career does not pivot on one negative review. In fact, if you learn from all the feedback you receive you will be sure to have a great career!
Don’t give up and don’t give in. Don’t listen to the voice that says you can’t. You are more capable than you think you are.