Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
I Want to Start my Own Business, But I Can't Decide on an Idea. What Should I do?
Starting your own business can be a daunting task. But what if you can't even decide on an idea? This is a common problem for many people who want to create their careers. It certainly is a question I get asked a lot by my clients. They have many ideas, no idea, a combination of fears, lack of experience, or blocks holding them back.
How do you get started when you need help deciding what idea to pick?
This is one of the most challenging steps in the entrepreneurial journey, but you can do it. You might have too many ideas or none; perhaps you're overthinking every option until you cancel it without ever taking action. Or maybe - like the creative generalists that I see in my coaching practice - you want to do it all, get super excited by all your amazing ideas, but are quickly overwhelmed after that until your ideas die a slow and agonizing death, and you're back to square one.
If any of this applies to you, I want you to know that you're not alone, and there's nothing wrong with you. You're not crazy, delusional, a daydreamer, or procrastinator. You just haven't been shown the right way to find and develop a business idea that is right for you. You're stuck.
Finding a business idea to settle on.
Even the most indecisive or unsure person can find the clarity to start. I know because that's what I help creatives and entrepreneurs do every day. Let me help you get unstuck and move forward: here are five tips to help you figure out which business idea is best for you.
1. Take some time to reflect and brainstorm - Slowing down is not the strongest trait of creatives and entrepreneurs, and indeed not of multi-passionate creatives (creative generalists). We love to start immediately because we have this creative fire that we need to take action and move forward. This is the most crucial reason we must reflect, brainstorm, and give our ideas some room to take shape.
Whether you have too many ideas or need a clearer one, start writing. Take some time to sit down with yourself and write down everything you've ever considered could be a business, any idea you've ever got excited about, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Only discard possibilities once you've written them down and have taken the time to analyze them one by one. Think about what would make each idea successful or why it could fail. Also, ponder how excited you would be and for how long when developing this idea. This will help you narrow down your choices and clarify which ideas to pursue and which ones to put aside for now.
2. Speak with people in the industry - The worst thing you can do with an idea is to keep it to yourself. This doesn't mean you must tell everyone everything about what you want to do (you do want to be careful with your intellectual property), but you must start talking to people. Speak with mentors, advisors, and peers in the industry who could provide insight into what they think of your idea, help you refine it, and ensure it's viable.
This is the start of your market research. Ask for advice and opinions about your different ideas and what could be done to make them successful. Survey people, call businesses doing something similar, and ask them what their business is like, their challenges, and their great successes. This can provide different perspectives that may give you new insights into which idea will work best for you and whether or not you enjoy building a business with that focus. Knowing what we don't want is as valuable as knowing what we do want. Don't be afraid to act on that feeling; I've said no to many ideas I was first super excited about after talking to people in the industries I was looking to enter.
3. Assess the joy and stress factor of each idea - Before you get too excited about any business idea, assess its joy and stress factors. How much time do you need to start up? What kind of return can you expect after investing time, energy, and effort into developing it? Is this something that you're willing to do?
For your answer to these questions to be helpful, you must answer as truthfully and honestly as possible. Reflect on what is crucial for you and what you'd consider a wonderful life and perfect day. Make sure the idea you select fits in with that vision. If you need a lot of free time, it might not be the wisest idea to start a business that requires you to always be on call. Having clarity of what you need to be happy and fulfilled will help you make better decisions, to make them more quickly and with greater confidence.
4. Consider your skills and interests - Following the previous point, when looking for an idea, consider the skills and interests that you have. You don't need to be an expert to pursue a business or career, but it will make life much easier if you can focus on something that you already have some knowledge or experience in or are excited to learn.
Look at what other businesses are doing and see how they've made things work. Ask yourself if you have the suitable skill set and interests to do something similar or if it would require too much of a learning curve to making it worthwhile. Researching this can help provide answers as to what might fit best for you or where there may be potential gaps in the market that need filling. You could be passionate about a particular topic or want to develop specific skills by starting a business around them; anything! What's important here is to ask yourself whether this business would bring you pleasure, fulfillment, and satisfaction over time without boring the hell out of you.
3. Start a project - Don't just sit around and wait for the perfect business idea or opportunity to fall into your lap. Instead, take action by starting one of your projects right away. This doesn't mean you need to quit your day job immediately (although it's not entirely off the cards either). It means working on something small but real at least once a week (bonus points for every additional day) so that you can start getting feedback from your market and build momentum.
By taking small steps over time, you'll gain the clarity you need to know this is the idea you want to go for: are you enjoying yourself? Do you find the process enjoyable? Can you sustain it? Do people buy your product or service (this is the proof of concept you want, even if it's only a few sales or a small amount)?
Whichever idea you select, ensure it resonates with who you are and what you want to create. And always remember that the best way to find out is by getting started. You cannot think yourself into anything. Eventually, you have to go out and do it!
Unsure of the next steps to starting your business?
Many people feel lost when starting their own business. I offer private coaching services to help you get started on the right foot. I'll work with you one-on-one to help you develop an idea, create a plan of action, and start making progress toward your goals.
You'll have the support of a professional coach every step of the way, who will answer any questions and guide you as needed. With my help, you can finally take control of your future and achieve success on your terms.
Stuck in the Overthinking Loop? Here Are 5 Ways to Get Out.
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in an overthinking loop? You know, where all you can do is think about everything – the good, the bad, and the terrifying – and it's preventing you from taking action? This type of thinking often leads to paralysis by analysis.
Overthinking and worrying about the right decision is stressful and causes anxiety. Those are not great feelings. Instead of helping us get unstuck, they keep us where we are for longer. I know because I've had to work through them to get to where I am today - and so have many of my clients. That endless spiral of thoughts that keeps you up at night, where you get so caught up in your thoughts that you can't make a decision, can be disastrous for your career, business, or personal life, especially if you want to make meaningful progress.
The good news is there are ways to get out of the overthinking loop and start taking action again. In this article, I'll share five strategies to help you get out of your head and move forward! But first, let's take a look at why we overthink in the first place.
Why do we overthink?
We all have fears and concerns that can cause us to overthink. We might be worried about making the wrong decision or feeling doubtful about our abilities or worthiness. Fear of failure and fear of rejection – these can all be triggers for overthinking.
Of course, sometimes it's just human nature – when there's an unknown or unpredictable situation, our natural response is to think more about it to prepare ourselves better and feel less anxious. Chronic overthinking is one of the reasons many people get and stay stuck. Because of brain plasticity, forming a habit of overthinking every choice happens without us realizing it. Add a dash of the nervous system to it that feels as if danger lurks every time a decision needs to be made, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Regardless of why we're doing it, too much rumination can keep us from living a full life and reaching our goals. That's why it's essential to find ways out of the overthinking loop as soon as possible!
Five strategies to get out of the overthinking loop
Train yourself to make quicker decisions: The way to get out of overthinking is by training your brain and nervous system to make quicker decisions without giving them much thought. You want to practice this on little things first, like the pants you will wear today or the coffee or sandwich you will order at Starbucks for lunch. Practice making quicker choices daily and gradually work your way up to more complex situations and options.
Let go of perfectionism: We all want to make the right decision and have perfect outcomes, but that type of thinking can send us into a never-ending cycle of overthinking. Accepting imperfection is key to getting out of the loop; doing something is better than nothing! Remind yourself that mistakes happen, growth requires learning from your failures. Take a risk, and remember that you can course-correct if needed.
Understand your fears: When you're in the overthinking loop, it can become hard to see past your fears. To get unstuck from this kind of thinking, try to understand why you're scared or anxious about making a decision. Is there something you need to learn more about? Do you need help from someone else? Once you have identified the source of your fear and anxiety, it's easier to work through it and move forward.
Eliminate the noise: It's easy to get caught up in the endless loop of thoughts when we have too many options to entertain. To start making progress, take a step back and strip away any distractions, opinions, or options that don't matter so you can focus on what's important and make an informed decision. What ideas can you eliminate? What information will help you make the right choice? What opinions can you do without?
Take action: The only way to get out of the overthinking loop for good is by taking action. Even if it feels scary or uncertain at first – do something! Taking small steps will give you momentum that can help propel you forward into more significant decisions and actions with more confidence. Remember, every day is an opportunity to practice making better decisions, trust yourself, and take action! If you're struggling to find your way out of overthinking, I hope these five strategies have given you some ideas for moving forward.
Overthinking can keep us stuck. It can lead to paralysis by analysis, or worse, make us doubt ourselves in the decision-making moment, so we stay stuck forever. But with the right strategies, it can be a different way. Training yourself into faster decisions, letting go of perfectionism, understanding your fears, eliminating noise, and taking action are all excellent ways to help you break out of the overthinking loop and move forward confidently!
So if you feel stuck in your head and keep contemplating the same ideas or options repeatedly, remember: in the end, you cannot think yourself into anything; you have to go out and do it! Good luck!
Feeling stuck in an overthinking loop and needing to make progress?
Private coaching is a great way to get unstuck and take action. You'll be able to work with me one-on-one, and I'll help guide you to the life and work you want.
Imagine your life if you could finally break free from the chains of overthinking. How much progress could you make if you had someone supporting and motivating you every step of the way? Sign up for a free session today and find out.
The Complicated Life of a Creative: Why It's Okay to Want More Out of Life
Are you feeling stuck in your life or work, even though it looks great on the outside? Do you feel like everything is fine and you should feel blessed, but you're still unhappy?
You're not alone. Last week, a client shared how he felt unfulfilled at work even though he has a "dream job" and asked, "why can't I just be happy with what I have?" The truth is: it's not because, on the outside, it looks like you're successful that you feel that way on the inside.
Creatives, in particular, need to understand how their brains are wired and what they need to do to be happy. You tend not to like boredom or continuous repetition of similar tasks. You crave variety and something creative that makes you want to get up in the morning. You will inevitably become bored and unfulfilled if you don't have this in your day-to-day activities.
It's okay to want more out of life - we all deserve our dreams
It's important to acknowledge that needing more is okay - we should feel no shame for wanting more out of life! But it's also essential to know when not to quit and push through even if things start feeling too routine or monotonous. Otherwise, you might miss out on opportunities that could bring you joy and fulfillment.
It's important to remember that feeling stuck is normal and doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It's a sign that it's time to reassess your goals and develop strategies to approach them differently or be creative in finding new solutions. The key is to find a balance between pushing through when needed and knowing when it's time for a change.
Creativity is an essential part of our lives, and boredom can be a real issue for creative types. If you need more variety in your life or work to keep you interested, it's easy to become unfulfilled. It's essential to recognize what you need so that you can make positive changes in your life. Here are a few things that can help:
#1 Understand your creative brain.
If you're feeling stuck in life or work, take time for self-reflection and use this as an opportunity to learn more about how your creative brain works. Psycho-education is one of the most freeing things you can do for yourself as a creative. It will help you to understand your needs better and make better decisions.
Understanding that a lot of the things you think are flaws and negative about yourself (seemingly not being able to stick to things, always wanting something new, scattered focus, and so on) is part of your creative wiring will enable you to harness the power of your creative abilities and make better decisions.
#2 Give yourself permission to try different things.
It's okay not to know what you want or what direction you're going in. Try something new and explore your options. This doesn't mean you have to quit your job right away or that it's an all-or-nothing thing (a trap many creatives, entrepreneurs, and generalists fall into) - it might just mean trying something new on the side or experimenting with other creative outlets.
When you give yourself permission to try different things, you open up the possibilities and learn more about what makes you happy and fulfilled. You'll be able to take back control over your life and find a way to make things work for you - even if it's not exactly how you initially expected them to.
#3 Take a break from the routine.
When you feel the itch telling you something is boring or has become too easy or repetitive, sometimes, getting away for a short time is all that's needed to reset and recharge. Whether it's taking a weekend off or just taking a walk around the block, take some time for yourself so that you can come back feeling refreshed and inspired again!
The complicated life of a creative can be frustrating at times, but knowing that it's okay to feel stuck and not knowing precisely what you want to do doesn't have to be anxiety-inducing. By allowing yourself to explore different paths, and taking regular breaks away from the routine, you can make positive changes in your life and find fulfillment.
#4 Feed your creative spark.
There's nothing worse for a creative than a life without a creative spark, where there seems to be no freedom to explore, learn new things, or express yourself. Feeding your creative spark is vital for feeling fulfilled and inspired, so be sure to find ways to stoke the fire in your life.
One of the best ways to break out of a rut and find your creative spark again is to do something completely different. Not only will this spark creativity and help get your juices flowing again (literally!), but it can also open up possibilities that you never thought were available. This might mean making time for a passion project, learning something new, or taking on an exciting challenge. It could also mean taking regular breaks away from work and doing things that will refresh your mind and refuel your creativity.
#5 Surround yourself with supportive people.
Finally, remember that plenty of creatives and entrepreneurs feel your pain and go through it themselves. It's helpful to surround yourself with like-minded people who are interested in the same struggles and successes that you are. Whether it's a friend, a mentor, or a coach - having someone to turn to for encouragement can be invaluable when feeling stuck.
By understanding your creative tendencies, giving yourself permission to explore different paths, and taking regular breaks away from the routine - as well as feeding your creative spark and surrounding yourself with supportive people - you too can find a sense of fulfillment and joy in your life. So don't let yourself be stuck - go out and make something great!
No matter how successful your life appears on the outside, it's okay to feel stuck. It doesn't make you a failure or someone who doesn't know what you want. We all need variety in our lives to stay inspired and motivated. Remembering this can help us take steps toward our goals while still accepting where we are in the present moment. With patience and perseverance, you can make the changes in your life that will bring about more satisfaction and joy.
Being honest with yourself about what you need is the first step toward making positive changes. So if you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled, don't be afraid to admit it and seek some support or guidance. Good luck!
Feeling bored and unfulfilled? You're not alone.
There must be more to life than this. Why can't I be happy with what I have?
Private coaching can help you figure out what you want in life and how to get there. With the help of a coach, you can finally start living the life you've always wanted. Coaching is an investment in yourself - one that will pay off for years to come.
Take Control of Your Professional Life: 10 Ways to Create Your Own Career (Even if it Doesn't Exist Yet)
Are you endlessly scrolling job boards, looking for the one job that will spark joy? (Sorry, I meant "fulfillment.") Are you tired of your dead-end job? Do you feel stuck in a rut and don't know what to do? If this sounds like you, know that you're not alone. Creative generalists especially can have a hard time finding work that suits them. I talk to creatives and entrepreneurs who feel like this every day, and they tell me they feel lost and don't know where to turn. Well, I've got some excellent news for you! You can create your own career now!
There are more opportunities than ever before to be your own boss, set your own hours, and make a good living doing something you love. With the Internet, there is a world of information and resources at your fingertips.
The truth is, it's pretty easy to create your own career. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can be well on your way to having the job of your dreams. The way I love to approach it is like a detective. Imagine Columbo or Monk investigating a scene. They take in all the clues and use them to figure out what happened.
In this case, the clues are your skills, experience, talents, and interests. By taking inventory of these things, you can get a clear picture of what kind of career would be a dream come true for you. Let's say you're good with people and love music history. A career as a music journalist or a publicist for a record label might be a good fit. If you're more of a people person and love to be in the thick of things, a career in event planning or human resources might be more your speed. Use your imagination, think outside the box, and don't get bogged down in the details.
It's your career, so you decide
The beauty of creating your own career is that there are no rules. You can be as creative as you want, and there's no wrong answer. Since I've been doing this work with clients, I've seen many people create unlikely careers for themselves:
A professional dog walker and a spiritual teacher who created a successful business walking dogs mindfully.
A high school teacher and a beehive removal specialist who created a business teaching people how to remove negative energy from their homes.
A yoga teacher and a web designer who created a business designing consciousness-infused websites for stressed-out small business owners.
A massage therapist and a baker who created a mobile spa business bringing massages and freshly baked goods to people's homes.
The list goes on and on, and the opportunities are endless. But, like with everything worthwhile, it takes time and effort to create what will be uniquely right for you. In this article, I'll share the ten best tips to get you started creating your own career, even if it doesn't exist yet. Because you know what? You can make it for yourself!
Ten ways to take control of your professional life and create your own unique career (even if it doesn't exist yet)
#1 Dream big
Don't stop yourself by thinking about the jobs that exist or that you know about; instead, let your mind run wild with possibilities. The first step is to dream as big as possible without censoring yourself. What do you want your career to be? What are your goals and aspirations? What are you good at? What do people always come to you for help with? What have you done in the past that you loved or were successful in? How can you combine those things into a new career for yourself? Once you have a clear idea of the career you want to create, you can start taking steps to make it happen.
#2 Do your research
The next step is to do your research. Once you know what you want, especially if it's a career that doesn't exist yet, it's time to find out if there's a demand for it. If you want to be a professional dog walker for circus dogs, for example, you'll need to research the market in your area to see if there are enough clients to support you. If you're looking to start your own event planning business for female writers, you'll need to research whether or not there's a need and demand for that in your community. Knowing your niche(s) and understanding the market you'll be working in is essential. By doing your research, find out about the competition and what they're doing that's working (or not working). The Internet is an excellent resource for this kind of research, but remember good old-fashioned library books and talking to people in the know.
#3 Get creative
Now it's time to get creative and start putting together a plan. This is where you'll need to use your imagination and think outside the box. If you want to be a professional dog walker but want to add your own little sass to it, you'll need to come up with combinations that don't exist yet. What other services can you offer? What other areas can you target? How can you make your business unique? What things can you combine into a unique new business? This is the fun part; it's about combining talents and interests that make you happy, so take your time and enjoy the process.
#4 Set some goals
Once you have a plan, it's time to set some goals. If your goal is to be a cookie-baking massage therapist, for example, you might set a goal to land five new clients in the next month. Or, if you're starting your own event planning sing-along business, your plan might be to book two events in the next six months. Whatever your goals are, make sure they're realistic and achievable and that you have a timeline for reaching them. Don't be afraid to adjust your goals as you go, and remember to celebrate each milestone along the way! This will help you stay focused and on track as you work to create your new career.
#5 Get some experience
If you want to know if your unique career idea will work, it's always a good idea to get some experience first. To find out if people will be into cookie-baking massages, offer the service free to a few friends and see what they think. Or, if you're thinking of starting your own event planning business, offer to help with a friend's writing party. This will not only give you some valuable experience, but it will also help you fine-tune your skills. And, if you're unsure if your idea is viable, it's always better to find out sooner rather than later.
#6 Make some connections
Another critical step in creating your own career is to make some connections. Talk to people already doing what you want or are in a related field. Ask them for advice and guidance. Make sure to expand your network weekly, if not daily. Get involved in your community and attend events related to your industry. These people can provide invaluable information and insights and help you avoid some of the mistakes they made when they started. You never know; they might even be willing to mentor you or give you a few tips. By making connections, you'll gain valuable insights and start to build a network of support that will be essential as you launch your new career.
#7 Start small
You don't have to go all in from the very beginning. Start small and gradually build your new skills into a new career, business or practice. This also means you only need a little to get started, not even a website. What you need most is a good idea, creativity, and the willingness to work hard. Once you have those things, you can start working on your new career one step at a time. This way, you can ensure you're doing what you love before quitting your day job and going all-in. Once you've built up a solid clientele or following, then you can start thinking about expanding.
#8 Pitch yourself to companies
Once you're clear on the unique flavor you want to bring to your new career; you're ready to pitch your new job to companies. Even if you're not looking for a traditional job, there are still plenty of ways to get your foot in the door. You can start by reaching out to companies that align with your values and interests and see if they have any opportunities for someone with your skillset. You can also look for internships or apprenticeships, allowing you to learn more about the industry and gain valuable experience. Or, and this is the most fun thing to do, you can try and sell them on your career idea. I help my clients do this all the time, and it works!
#9 Be prepared to hustle
Creating your own career is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, dedication, and a bit of hustle. Because your job is so new, you might need to teach companies about what you do and how you can help them. You'll also need to be prepared to market yourself and your work and to sell your services to prospective clients or the companies you'd like to work for. But if you're willing to work, you can create a successful and sustainable career that you love.
#10 Be patient, persistent, and believe in yourself
Creating your own career takes time and effort, so keep going even if you don't see results immediately. Remember that you're bringing something new and that people need time to accept what they don't know. You'll need to sell it to them, again and again, before they finally catch on. Be patient, be persistent, and most importantly, believe in yourself. If you don't believe in what you're doing, no one else will.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and living the life you've always wanted. So, what are you waiting for? Create your own unique career today!
Feeling unfulfilled and underutilised in your career?
You're not alone. A lot of people feel like they're stuck in a job that's not right for them. But what if there was a way to create a career that doesn't exist yet but is perfectly right for you? That's what I help my clients do – find their true calling and make a life they love.
Imagine waking up every day feeling excited to go to work because you know it's going to be an adventure. That's the kind of life I help my clients create – one where they're using their creativity and skills to make a difference in the world. Are you ready for something new?
The 5 Worst Career Stagnation Traps And How to Avoid Them.
Do you feel like it's time for a change? Are you counting the hours as soon as you get to the office, behind your computer screen at home, or in that coffee shop you love so much? Do you wish you could follow your passion or feel more challenged in your current career?
If you're stuck in a career rut, you're not alone. Career stagnation is a common issue many people face at some point in their working lives. It's one of the main reasons people come to me for help. We get stuck in our careers for various reasons – we might not be happy with what we're doing or feel like we've hit a dead end. Sometimes we feel like there's more we could be doing with our lives or that we're just not progressing in the way we want to. Financial concerns often play a part in it, too, as we feel like we can't afford to make a change or take a risk.
Whatever the reason you might feel stuck right now, there are a few key traps that can lead to career stagnation, and it's essential to be aware of them to get unstuck or to avoid them altogether.
What to do when you feel stuck in your career?
If you're feeling stuck in your career, taking action and making some changes is crucial. Otherwise, you'll only become unhappy and feel like you're wasting your time.
If there's one thing I know about helping hundreds of people get unstuck, the longer you wait, the more stuck you feel. Another reason why so many people stay stuck is that they overthink things to the point of never taking any action at all. Instead of doing something about our situation, most of us wait until the magical day when we won't feel so stuck anymore before we do something about our situation.
The problem is, you cannot think yourself out of anything. If you want to change, eventually, you have to go out and do something. This article will explore the five worst career stagnation traps and how you can avoid them to get unstuck and move your career forward.
Trap 1: You're in the wrong career
The first trap is self-explanatory – you might be in the wrong career altogether. If you're in the wrong career, you're not going to be challenged, you're not going to enjoy what you're doing, and you're not going to feel motivated or fulfilled. This is a common problem and is often the root cause of career stagnation.
The only way to get out of this trap is to make a career change. And while that might seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Plenty of resources are available to help you figure out what you want to do and how to make the transition. Career coaching can be a great way to get some guidance and support if you're unsure how to start.
Trap 2: You're in the wrong job
The second trap is similar to the first, but it's not as drastic. You might be in the right career but in the wrong job. This can happen for several reasons – maybe you took a job because it was the only one available at the time, or you took it for the money without thinking about whether you would actually like it.
Whatever the reason, it will be difficult to feel challenged or motivated if you're in the wrong job. The good news is that this is an easier problem to solve than being in the wrong career. You don't necessarily have to make a career change, but you might need to make a job change.
You can do a few things to figure out if you're in the wrong job. First, ask yourself whether you actually like what you're doing on a day-to-day basis. If the answer is no, it's time to start looking for something else. Second, think about whether the job is challenging you and making you grow. If it's not, you'll probably not feel fulfilled in the long run. Finally, look at the company culture and values – are they aligned with your own? If not, it might be time to move on.
Trap 3: You're not progressing
The third trap is that you might be stuck in a job that's just not going anywhere. You're not being promoted, you're not being given more responsibility, your skills are being underutilized, and you feel like you're just treading water. This can be a frustrating situation to be in, especially if you're ambitious and want to move up in your career.
The first thing to do is to have a conversation with your boss about your career goals and what you need to do to progress. If they're unwilling to help you, it might be time to look for another job. But even if they're willing to help, there might not be any room for progression in your current role. In that case, you might need to look for a new job anyway.
Sometimes your lack of progress is not due to a lack of opportunity or promotions but because you're too comfortable. If you're comfortable with where you are in your career, it can be tempting to stay there. But comfort can lead to complacency, and if you're not challenged, you might start to feel bored or unchallenged in your role. It's important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things, even if it means taking a risk.
Trap 4: You're in the right career, but you're not being challenged
The fourth trap is that you might be in a job that's just too easy. Especially for creatives and entrepreneurs (as well as creative generalists), it's important to be challenged to use our intellectual and creative skills. If you're not being challenged, you're not learning anything new. This can be just as frustrating as the last trap because it can make you feel like you're wasting your time.
The solution to this problem is similar to the previous one – you must find ways to challenge yourself. This might mean taking on more responsibility at work or finding side projects or hobbies that push you outside your comfort zone. It's also essential to continuously learn and keep up with new trends in your industry. This can be done by reading books, attending conferences, or taking courses.
Trap 5: You're not aligned with your interests and passions
The fifth and final trap is that you might be in a job you don't love or that isn't aligned with the stuff that makes you get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you took it for the money or because it was the only thing available then. But whatever the reason, if you're not passionate about your work, and if the work isn't interesting to you, then it's going to be challenging to feel motivated.
The only way to get out of this trap is to make a career change. And while that might seem daunting, it's important to remember that staying where you are will only make you stagnate more, not less.
Making a career change can be a big decision, but it's important to remember that you're not stuck in your current situation. If you're unhappy with your career, there are things you can do to change it. The first thing to do is to identify which of the five traps you might fall into. Once you've done that, you can start taking steps to get out of the trap and move forward with your career.
Feeling like you've hit a dead end in your career?
You're not alone. Many people feel stuck at some point in their careers. That's where private coaching can help. As a career and business coach with more than eight years of experience helping people get unstuck, I will work with you to help you overcome any barriers that are holding you back and help you achieve your career goals.
Imagine how good it will feel to finally make progress in your career. Picture yourself confidently interviewing for jobs, getting promoted, or starting your own business. With the help of a skilled coach, anything is possible.
5 Tips on What to Focus on When You Don’t Know What to Focus on
Do you often feel like you have too many ideas? Are you finding it hard to find your focus? If this sounds like you, don't worry, you're not alone. Many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with this issue. I know I do, and so do my clients.
Knowing which project(s) to focus on can be challenging when everything seems like a good idea. And it can be particularly daunting to choose when choosing feels like losing. In this article, I'll discuss five tips to help you focus on the right projects without making you feel like you're missing out. Because, hey, let's be honest, wouldn't that be awesome?
#1 What's most important to you?
Having a creative mind is a blessing but can also be a curse. Too often, we have so many options that we don't know what to do first. From starting that vegan protein bar company to promoting STEM careers to teens to developing an app that helps busy moms manage their time, it's hard to know where to focus your energy. This can make us feel scattered, unfocused, and not doing anything at all.
When you're struggling to focus, probably the most critical question to ask yourself is what your goals are and what you want to achieve, aka what's important to you. A lot of people try to figure out what they really want. Unfortunately, that's probably also what they're struggling with the most. By clarifying what's most important to them - which doesn't need to be the same thing as what they think they want - it becomes much easier to choose what to do.
Some questions that often help:
What are you most excited about in life? What are you passionate about?
What do you want to achieve, personally and professionally?
Who do you want to help, and what difference do you want to make?
What problems do you want to solve? What is important to you?
What does success look like for you?
These questions will help clarify your goals and give you a better idea of which projects are most important to you. Once you have a good understanding of what your goals are, it will be much easier to focus on the projects that will help you achieve them.
#2 What's your time frame?
In addition to considering what’s most important to you, it's also essential to think about your time frame. How much time do you have to devote to each project? Are you working on a tight deadline? Do you have specific milestones you want to achieve in your life?
Your time frame will likely be different for each project. For example, if you're working on a new product you want to launch in the next six months, you'll need to focus on that project and not get sidetracked by other ideas. On the other hand, if you're working on a long-term goal, like writing a book, you might have more flexibility in how you spend your time.
Knowing your project's time frame will help you prioritize and focus on the most critical tasks. It can also be helpful to break down your projects into smaller goals achievable within a set timeframe. This will help you to stay focused and motivated as you work towards your larger goals.
#3 You don't have to choose, but you can't do everything at once either
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to focus is thinking they must do everything at once out of fear of missing out or having to choose. This is particularly true for multi-passionate creatives or creative generalists for whom choosing is like kryptonite (hello, there, I see you!).
The truth is: you can't do everything at once, and you shouldn't try to. Trying to do too many things simultaneously leads to feeling scattered, frustrated, and overwhelmed. That doesn't mean you have to choose and let go of what you want to do forever, but it's important to limit your focus to a few things and let the other ideas waiting for their turn.
It can be helpful to think about your projects in terms of seasons. What can you focus on right now, and what can you put on the back burner for later? For example, if you're working on a new product, you might want to wait to launch your blog until after the product is released. Just remember that choice is not equal to losing; you're not killing an idea, you're just putting it on hold for a while.
#4 Identify your core values
In addition to setting goals, another great way to find focus your attention is by identifying your core values. The question from tip one is related to this, but identifying your values goes even deeper. What is important to you? What do you believe in? When do you feel most fulfilled?
Your values will guide you as you decide which projects to work on and how to spend your time. For example, if one of your values is making a difference in the world, you might want to focus on projects with a social or environmental impact. Or, if you value creativity and innovation, you might want to focus on creative or challenging projects.
Identifying your core values will help you to stay focused on the things that are most important to you. Thinking about your values can be a great way to get back on track when you're feeling lost or uncertain.
#5 Make a list of all the ideas that you have
I purposefully added this tip as the last one and not the first because when you've gone through the first four tips, you should have a much better understanding of what is and isn't important to you. You'll especially know what you're truly passionate about (#1) and what your core values are (#4). So now, when you make your list of ideas, it will be easier to narrow down which ones are most important to you.
To do this, ask yourself which ideas are the most aligned with your values AND your passions; in other words, which ideas will help you achieve your goals. For example, if your core values are creativity and adventure, and you're passionate about writing, you might want to focus on ideas that involve travel or creative writing; or if you're passionate about fashion and your core values are simplicity and sustainability, you might want to focus on ideas related to sustainable fashion.
Bonus tip: choose your three most important ideas
After eight years of supporting creatives and entrepreneurs to get unstuck, I've come to believe that there's a sweet spot for the number of things we can focus on simultaneously. For most (except some powerhouse creative generalists), anything between 3 and 5 projects is doable at any given time. So my bonus tip for you is to choose the three most important ideas from your list and focus on those.
There you have it – five tips to help you focus if you don't know what to focus on! I hope these tips will be helpful for you as you work on bringing your projects and goals to life.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The best way to find what works for you is to experiment and be patient. Focus on one (or a few) things for a while and see what happens and how it makes you feel.
One last thing I want to add is to give yourself permission to change your focus - and your mind. Our goals and values can change over time, just like we do as people, so it's ok to be flexible in how we focus our attention. If your focus no longer aligns with your goals or values, don't be afraid to adjust accordingly.
It's your life, you decide.
Feeling overwhelmed with all of the options out there and don't know where to start?
You're not alone. Many people feel this way because it's hard to know the best option for you. That's where private coaching comes in - I can help you figure out what you should be focusing on to make progress and achieve your goals.
I'll work with you one-on-one to help you create a plan that works for you and your unique situation. You'll be able to achieve anything you put your mind to! I'll support you set goals, stay motivated, and overcome any obstacles that get in your way.
The Courage to Quit: Five Things You Can do When You're Ready For Something New
Quitting is never easy. It's one of the most challenging things we can do. Whether it's a job, a romantic relationship or friendship, or a project we decided not to pursue. Whatever it is, quitting is hard. Not only because we have to let go of something but also because we have to face our fears.
That's why most of us overthink it and try to find excuses not to do it, even when we know in our guts that we should. This is especially true when we feel responsible, don't want to hurt anyone, or care about what other people think of us. But even if quitting requires courage, it doesn't mean you should hold off from doing it. When you're ready for something new, it's often the only thing you can think about until - guess what? - you finally do something about it!
That, to me, is the telltale sign that it's time for a change. In this article, I share five things that have helped me find the courage to make bold moves in my life and work and how I believe you can, too.
Why do we overthink?
When we overthink, we often try to silence our intuition instead of listening to it. Our gut tells us what something is right for us way before our mind does, but we don't always trust it. We second-guess ourselves and wonder if we're making the right decision. This is because we're afraid of the unknown and failure. But what if we looked at quitting in a different light? What if, instead of seeing it as a sign of weakness, we saw it as an act of courage?
We overthink because our minds are trying to figure something out that only time will tell. We want absolute certainty before taking a step forward, but life rarely works out that way. The more we try to control things, the more we realize that we can't. That's precisely why we need to have faith and trust our gut.
If you're considering quitting something, here are five things you can do:
Take time for yourself. This is probably the most important thing you can do. When we're ready for something new, we often feel we have to make a decision immediately. But it's essential to take some time for yourself first. Ask yourself why you want to quit and what you hope to gain from it. What are your fears, and how can you face them? Taking the time to think about your decision will help you make a more informed choice. The sense of urgency often makes the decision harder to take. When you take that pressure away, you might find the decision relatively easy.
Talk to people who have done it before. If you know anyone who has gone through a similar experience, talk to them about it. Ask them how they made the decision and what the process was like. Hearing other people's stories will help normalize your own experience and make it feel less daunting. Everyone quits sometimes, and most people feel some level of fear when they do. Don't be afraid to reach out for support. The more stories you hear from others and how they've done it, the easier it will be for you to choose a different path for yourself.
Confide in someone you trust. When facing a tough decision, it's often helpful to talk to someone you feel safe with enough to share what is going on with you. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or coach. Talking about our fears and concerns can help us gain clarity and perspective. It can also help us feel less alone in our decision-making process. Another reason why it's important to share what you're going through is we're often standing too close to our problems to see our options. Having someone listen and reflect back to us what they heard can help us see things in a new light.
Get rid of perfectionism. One of the main reasons we don't quit is because we're afraid of not doing it perfectly. We think we have to have everything figured out before we make a move, but that's rarely the case. Often, the best way to learn is by doing. So instead of waiting for things to be perfect, take imperfect action and trust that you'll figure it out along the way. Moving forward without knowing all the steps in advance allows you to be flexible as you progress into this new chapter of your life, which is always important.
Find an ounce of clarity. The first thing you can do is get some clarity about the thing you want. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's often the most challenging part. We can be so caught up in our current situation that we can't see what else is out there. When you're ready to quit, take some time to think about what you want. What are your goals? What would make you happy? Visualize what your life will look like once you've decided and finally quit what isn't working for you anymore. Once you have at least a little bit of understanding of what you want, it will be easier to take the following steps.
Finally, and this is what helps me the most when I've decided to quit something, make a conscious decision to step into this new chapter of your life. Making a significant change is never easy, and it doesn't happen overnight, but by actively deciding to change your life, you're setting yourself up for success. So take a deep breath, trust your gut and go for it! In the end, you're the one that needs to do it.
I hope these tips will help you find the courage to make a change in your life. If you're feeling stuck, remember that you're not alone, and there is always a way out. Change is scary, but it's also exciting and full of possibilities. So leap and see what happens! You might surprise yourself.
Feeling lost and uncertain about your next steps?
Private coaching is a great way to gain clarity on what you should do next in your life or career. I can help you assess whether or not it's time for a change and give you the tools necessary to make that change happen.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated, coaching can provide the support, accountability, and guidance you need to make lasting changes in your life and work.