Obstacles to Change
The Momentum Files #18
Obstacles to Change
It’s no secret that making life and career changes can throw you for a loop – which is why it’s important to recognize and overcome any obstacles that block your path to better things.
The problem is it often feels like human beings were built to avoid change at all costs.
It’s like you have a built-in shield meant to protect you from all the bad things. (Well, we do actually. It’s called our ego. But we’ll save that for another discussion). What happens when your body goes into protection mode when you’re actually looking to make a good (safe) change – like transitioning into an exciting new career?
If you’re like most people, you become buried under a productivity-stopping pile of doubts, fears and other roadblocks that keep you from managing change in a healthy and practical way.
A few things happen when you’re trapped in that position:
You avoid taking action and steps towards positive change.
You miss out on fulfilling and exciting opportunities.
You start to buy into the self-limiting belief that change just isn’t possible for you.
I understand how overwhelming this feels. I’ve been buried under those doubts and worries myself. What I learned is that I could overcome these obstacles and confidently pursue exciting life changes (and manage unexpected ones!).
You can do the same!
Here are the top obstacles to change – and what you can do right away to get out from under them.
👉 Obstacle #1: Obsessing over what you lack.
At times, it’s important to recognize what you can’t or shouldn’t do. But when you focus *only* on the things you don’t have (a job skill, the right experience, etc.), you make room for imposter syndrome and self-doubt to creep in. That’s when you hold back and avoid the change you’re suddenly convinced you’re not good enough to pursue.
Fun fact: Men typically apply for a job if they have 60% of the qualifications. Women won’t apply unless they feel they have 100% of the qualifications.
✅ Get unstuck: Focus on what you do have. This is where you want to put your energy. What have you accomplished? What can you offer? What are you interested in learning and doing? Remember – nobody hires you for that dream job based on what you don’t have. Keep your focus on what you CAN contribute and leave the imposter syndrome in the dust.
👉 Obstacle #2: Not knowing what you want.
How do you make a life or career change if you’re not clear on what you want the outcome to be? To successfully make your next decision (like going for that dream job!), you have to know what that change will look like.
✅ Get unstuck: If you’re struggling to figure out what you want, I recommend taking some type of action. Try SOMETHING. Even a small something like having a conversation with someone in the industry you’re looking to break into. You’ll get clarity. You’ll learn what you DON’T want and start to see a clear picture of what you DO want. This allows you to make the next decision, and the next and the next. Go for it!
👉 Obstacle #3: Money worries.
Not many things can stop you in your tracks like money worries. Everything feels unsteady, and you become less willing to try new things or take risks.
✅ Get unstuck: Map out your financial runway so that you know what options you have and what changes you can pursue. This frees you to take action and make decisions with renewed confidence.
👉 Obstacle #4: Lacking role models and mentors.
Big changes like a career transition can leave you spinning if you don’t have a support system built up around you. It can be isolating to do alone without encouragement, accountability or shared knowledge.
✅ Get unstuck: Expand your network and seek out people who can help! Think about who you could meet, who gets you, who can educate and inform you. Find experts in your desired career area and reach out to connect. If the thought of networking fills you with dread, take a look at this – I make it exciting and easy for you!
👉 Obstacle #5: The fear of being stuck (aka Analysis Paralysis).
Oh, this is a BIG one!
If you’re like me, you sometimes try to plan your next journey in your head. But here’s the thing. Transitions are experiential. You can’t just think your way though them. You have to experience them, touch them, feel them, LIVE them!
When we fail to do this, we get (and stay) stuck.
When we get out there and live our journeys, we grow into more confident and capable people.
✅ Get unstuck: REGULAR. CONSISTENT. ACTION. What is the ONE next thing you can do to move forward? It can be as manageable as writing a list. Or making a phone call. Or researching a topic. Just get out of your head and DO something to keep moving (there’s a reason I named my business Momentum Coaching!).
When’s the last time a big (or small) change left you feeling buried under a crushing pile of doubt and uncertainty? It’s not a fun place to be – although it’s common and perfectly normal.
I hope you can use these examples to get out from under that weight and start taking action. Making moves. Building momentum.
Will you reply and tell me what life or career change you’d like to successfully navigate? I’d love to hear from you!