Feeling stuck and trapped in your professional life is common, specifically when you are in the middle of your career. You have started strong; maybe you slid into it and were unaware.
It happens often when you are starting as an intern, and staying where you are is comfortable and safe. However, after several years, the feeling of running in your hamster wheel starts to creep in. At first, it’s hard to pinpoint. But remember, change is always possible.
The first step in breaking free
Identify the root cause. Ask yourself the following set of questions:
The above questions should trigger you to start understanding yourself and your emotional status at this moment in your professional life.
Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.This process might be challenging, but it is the foundation for fundamental transformation.
What do you think is the core reason behind your feeling trapped?
Second Step – Self-reflection
Breaking free from your limiting beliefs is your next challenging exercise. We are afraid of uncovering ourselves. It is scary, but it is also freeing and empowers you to know what is holding you back from taking the first step toward professional fulfillment.
Here are more questions for you:
- How would that let me feel and look?
Ask your peers, friends, and family to learn more about yourself. Not to mention that an experienced career coach will be the most skilful resource to break free from your hamster wheel.
Life is too short to live an unfulfilled professional life.
I know it sounds a bit boring, but it is worth it. You should start questioning yourself at this point, as otherwise, you will end up again in a job that does not resonate with you.
After all the self-detective work, do you think we should dive into some actions you can take to move slowly but surely into the direction that is your calling?
Action points
Setting goals is the first step to getting unstuck in your career. When I say setting goals, it does not need to be big goals. On the contrary, there need to be micro-steps that you can take consistently.
For inspiration, you can check under our free resources the Goal Setting cards:
Set goals in a manner that resonates with your values, your life priorities, and purpose.
That alone is not sufficient. You need someone who can hold you accountable for each action and goal.
How many times did you set goals and did not start? I am sure many. This is normal behavior as well. However, it does not lead to success and breaking free from your hamster wheel.
Action is key. You can either hold yourself accountable, which will require discipline, consistency, and resilience, or ask for help from someone else.
Here, the career coach is always a reliable and truthful companion, helping you overcome obstacles, believe in yourself, and take the steps forward for your growth.
At the end of the day
You are the one who needs to decide, the one who needs to take action, and the one who is behind the steering wheel of your career.
Remember: You are the CEO. The Chief Empowerment Officer, the Chief Energy Officer, and the Chief Executive Officer.
Surround yourself with people from whom you can learn and get inspired by.
Let’s find your vocation, your calling, and a fulfilling job.
Start your journey now.
Reach out, and we shall discover together.