Navigating the Beauty in Chaos: Embracing the Messiness of a New Career Journey

Anytime you choose to do something new there is a learning curve, and the word “curve” is deceiving.  But if it was called learning “chaos” even fewer people would opt in.  Yet, that chaos is something that’s incredibly valuable to your development as a human.  It helps to know it’s coming so you’re ready to embrace the inevitable messiness as you step outside your career comfort zone.  This is a lesson I keep learning and re-learning throughout my own career, most recently when I completed the first draft of my book, exploring how to care for your emotional wellbeing in an environment where you don’t always have control and influence - work (it’s coming out in early 2024). I needed to submit my first draft to my writing coach this week and I was so afraid of rejection that it took me 3 hours to hit send.  I needn’t have worried, but in my fear of the unknown I did forget the cardinal rule of doing something new – you have to take a calculated risk.
 
It's hard doing new things for many reasons.  In any endeavor famous humans undertake, we get the “well-dressed” version of their path to success (via social media).  You know, the one where there was lots of support, natural talent, commitment, etc. and everything culminated in success (whether it’s a movie, a successful business or a best-selling book).  No one talks about the chaos, the self-doubt, the things that needed to be experienced, screwed-up and re-learned.  But the mess is so important, because without mess, there is no success.  So here are some things to help you embrace the messiness of doing something new that’s crucial for your career growth and success.

• Firstly, understand that messiness is a sign of progress. When you step outside your comfort zone, you're bound to encounter challenges and setbacks. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of your next move. Remember, every great accomplishment is born out of chaos.  The biggest difference between those who persevere and those who don’t is the ability to keep moving forward in the mess, self-doubt and unknown.

• Secondly, embrace the learning process. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on gaining experience and acquiring new skills. View each stumble as an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve. Success only emerges from a series of failures and lessons learned along the way, there’s no other way to get there.  Anyone who tells you their success story was immaculate and without hiccup is not ready to acknowledge the truth about their journey (and that’s OK, just don’t believe their hype, messiness happens to absolutely everyone).

• Thirdly, surround yourself with a support system. In my case I have a writing coach, and I’ll also be sharing excerpts of my book for comment with others who want to support making it the best it can be (sign up below if you want to be on the list).  Seek out mentors, friends, a coach or colleagues who have navigated similar paths. They can provide guidance, share their own messy experiences, and offer encouragement when you need it most. Remember, trying to undertake a significant journey alone will reduce your chances of persevering, putting you at greater risk of abandoning your pursuits (as an example, this is the 7th book I’ve started and the one that will get finished because this time I’m not going it alone).  You're never alone in this journey, there’s always someone you can reach out to for support (which includes me).

• Lastly and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that messiness is a part of growth and career integration. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow from them. Trust in your ability to adapt and find creative solutions amidst the chaos. Take breaks when you’re stuck, no one thinks clearly when they’re tired or frustrated.  Love yourself in all your glorious messiness because you’re a beautiful work-in-progress (we all are).

 
Embracing the messiness of doing something new in your career is an essential part of personal and professional development. It allows for growth, learning, and innovation. So, step into the unknown with courage, embrace the chaos, and watch as your career unfolds in unexpected and fulfilling ways.  My book will be published in 2024 because I’m willing to see its potential through its current raw and messy state.  I’m driven to see it succeed not just for my career, but for everyone who wants to surpass the unnecessary challenges to their wellbeing that a modern workplace can present.
 
Is a new career journey easy?  Nope.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely.  Push past the chaos, you’ll have no regrets.

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