Embracing the Journey: How to Navigate a Career or Business Transition with the Mindset of Progress, Not Perfection

Transitioning to a new career or evolving your current business can be an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. However, it can also be daunting, especially when the pressure to be perfect creeps in. It's important to remember that transitions are more about progress than perfection. This blog post is dedicated to those embarking on this journey, offering insights and strategies to navigate changes effectively and joyfully.

Your transitional journey can look like many different ways. For me in my career it has looked like this---

• Going from Sales into Marketing...completely changing my job function after 1o year

• Leaving my corporate job to become an entrepreneur;

• Building, scaling and pivoting my own business

• Closing my business and joining corporate again

• And lastly ---launching my own Career Coaching and undertaking entrepreneurship again ;)

We often stand in our own way even though we need and want CHANGE! So as I think of my own journey over the last 23 years (my professional career) here are some ways to get our of your own way. Don't make it scary--small step!

1. Understanding the Mindset: Progress Over Perfection

The notion of 'perfection' often leads to undue stress and unrealistic expectations. Instead, focus on 'progress', which is about continuous improvement and learning. Progress involves setting achievable goals, learning from mistakes, and celebrating small wins. This mindset fosters resilience and adaptability – essential traits for a successful career transition.

2. Assessing Your Skills and Interests

Begin by taking stock of your skills and interests. Reflect on what you genuinely enjoy doing and what skills you have that are transferable to a new career. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have all the skills needed for the new role. Learning is part of the journey.

3. Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations

Set achievable goals for your career transition. Break down your larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Each small step completed is progress. Be realistic and kind to yourself about the time and effort it might take to transition fully.

4. Embracing Learning and Growth

Be open to learning, whether through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience. Each new piece of knowledge or skill you acquire is a step forward in your transition. Embrace the growth that comes with learning, even when it feels challenging.

5. Building a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive people. This could include mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members who encourage your growth. Networking within your new chosen field can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.

6. Accepting and Learning from Setbacks

Setbacks are inevitable, but they are not failures. They are opportunities to learn and refine your approach. When things don’t go as planned, take a step back, reassess, and try again. Resilience is key.

7. Celebrating Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated and reinforces the positive experience of your career transition.

Transitioning a career, pivoting your own business or creating goals for real growth and change is a journey that’s unique to each individual. It's more about making consistent progress than achieving a state of perfection. Embrace the learning process, set realistic goals, build a support network, and most importantly, celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in the journey of career transition.