Chart a Course for Career Transition!

You would think that those of us lucky enough to be kicking @ss in corporate America would feel like we had the world on a string!  But, we don’t. Or, at least, I didn’t. But here’s the thing – there are no shackles on you.  YOU and only you are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.

As Brene Brown says, “when you own your story, you get to write the ending.”  

Let that sink in.  It’s on you – you get to write your own story.  You are in control of your life and you don’t need ANYONE’s permission to live the life of your dreams.  It’s a big responsibility – your legacy is at stake.

For YEARS, I asked someone I thought must be smarter or more important, or someone whose approval I desperately sought, to tell me how to live my life.  I looked for someone to validate my every decision. To tell me that I was worthy. In my pursuit of worthiness, I proved myself over and over again.  Achieving ever higher levels of success.  But, my achievements were born out of FEAR.

What mindset shifts do you need to make to change careers?

I was so focused on other people’s approval that I didn’t stop to consider whether my career was also my calling.   Sure, I was a damn good attorney, but did I love it? Or, was I only an attorney because of the big paycheck and the prestige of the position?

When I finally confessed to my dear friend Adria that I wasn’t sure I wanted to practice law anymore, I thought she’d be shocked.  But, she wasn’t. She just shrugged her shoulders and said, “You never REALLY wanted to be a lawyer.” Instead, I was shocked. “What would make you say that,” I sputtered through my hurt pride.  “Well, when we were first years, you always talked about how you wanted to open a Pilates studio. Making partner was never your dream,” she said nonchalantly. I was dumbfounded. Until she said that, I didn’t even remember wanting to open a Pilates studio.  But, she was right. When I was a baby lawyer, I never thought much past my year-end review. I wasn’t building a career – I was surviving. Trying to meet someone else’s definition of who I should be.

Here’s the thing – the only person you need to prove yourself to is YOU. You need to prove to yourself that you are capable of anything you set your mind to and turn those golden handcuffs into Wonder Woman’s bracelets…

My life is a responsibility that I’ve recently embraced.  Let’s face it – I LOVE being in control. I no longer seek permission or approval from anyone for my life choices.  And, I am becoming the person I am meant to be. I am no longer living my life out of fear, but out of hope. So, as long as I strive to be better today than I was yesterday, I walk tall and proud of the woman I am.  Knowing that I am becoming – a glorious work in progress.

And remember, anything or anyone who does not LIGHT YOU UP is too small for you.

xoxo, SNW

Sarah-Nell Walsh

Executive Coach, Atlanta

Wayfinders, LLC