A career and life transition can be a daunting challenge, but it is possible to get through it successfully. By following a few simple strategies, you can ensure that you’re ready to face any challenges that arise along the way.
First, set your sights on an intrinsic motivation. You want to find something that energizes you and makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something big in the world.
Setting goals is a powerful tool for self-development. Whether you are starting a new job, returning to school, or going through a life transition, you can set meaningful goals that are personally motivating.
The first step is to take a look at what you want more of and less of. Once you are clear on your priorities, write down some short-term goals that reflect what is important to you right now.
Next, decide which long-term career goals you want to achieve in the future. These should be your guiding goals, and the short-term career goals you want to reach should help you reach them.
During times of hard work or tough stretches, rewarding yourself for small achievements is a great way to keep you motivated. Whether it’s buying yourself something new, watching your favorite sports team or doing a little self-care, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself and make your efforts even more meaningful.
The key is to choose rewards that don’t derail your goals. This can be tricky, but here are some ideas to get you started:
It's tempting to cram your entire life into work mode, but this can result in burnout.
Taking regular breaks can help reduce stress, improve your work performance and even improve your relationships. In fact, a University of Illinois study found that workers who took breaks were more productive in general.
To get the most out of your time off, try a mix of relaxation activities, such as taking a nice long shower or going for a walk in nature. It's also a good idea to find a way to reward yourself for your efforts, even if it's simply by treating yourself to something you enjoy.
Whether you're planning on quitting your job to pursue a new career or are just trying to figure out where you want to go in life, making a plan is a great way to get motivated. It can also help you manage any stress that might come your way.
To start, make a list of what you love about your current job and what you don't like. Then identify several career paths that might suit you best.
When you are going through a major life transition, like a new job, a move, or even a major relationship change, you may need some extra support. A therapist can help you process your emotions and learn how to cope with change.
The most important part of a support system is having people you can count on, no matter what. It can be hard to reach out to family members and friends when you are going through a difficult time, so it's helpful to have a diverse set of resources.
It's also a good idea to have a strong group of professional relationships that you can turn to when you are struggling with mental health issues or other personal challenges. These relationships can be a source of mental, emotional, and practical support when you need it most.
Practicing self-care is important for building resilience to major stressors and transitions. It can help you stay on track with your goals and keep up your motivation.
It may not seem like you have a lot of time for self-care, but even 30-second increments of hydration, assessing your mental state, or stretching can make a big difference in the way you feel throughout the day.
Taking care of yourself can also include healthy eating habits. Eating a healthy diet helps reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions.