Establishing a more fulfilling career and work life requires you to move forward and set some challenging professional goals. Staying put might sound cozy, but if you really want more from your work, or want to try something different, you’re going to have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Sounds a little scary, right?  But just think….

Your ability and willingness to embrace unfamiliar, challenging, or uncertain situations can bring valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

For example, at the moment I’m on a self-guided mission to actively learn as much as possible about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and specifically how it impacts career management. Up until recently, I really didn’t know anything about AI beyond ChatGPT or Alexa, and LinkedIn Premium's AI Career Coach offerings. To be honest, I didn’t even WANT to know about it. But AI is here to stay, so to sustain and grow my livelihood as a Career Management Coach, I recognize that I need to dive in and learn so I can help my clients navigate the current market.

Does learning take time? Yes.

Is technology intimidating? Sometimes, yes.

What’s more intimidating is seeing things change around you and not having the knowledge to keep up.

How uncomfortable are we talking here?

From a career management perspective, achieving goals may require you to challenge your strengths by learning new skills, taking on new projects, working in different environments, accepting additional responsibilities, and working with new people.

So why are we so uncomfortable with the unknown?

It’s possible that it’s because we’re predisposed to fear failure.  In reality, failure in and of itself is a wonderful way to learn.  In fact, I saw this quote while ideating this blog and it resonated with me:

"It's not fun to fail, but it may be a great way to succeed.”

You don’t know how far you’re capable of going without pushing yourself.

To become comfortable being uncomfortable, (click the link for a great Forbes article!) a person must cultivate certain skills:

Always Be Learning

This is an oldie but a goodie. How? Through courses, discussions, reading, listening to podcasts — these are all full of new concepts, skills, and ideas that can help you excel and advance your career.

Curiosity vs. Complacency

The truth is, that complacency can kill your career. It’s the cousin to laziness, and neither one will get you far. Having a strong sense of curiosity, on the other hand, shows that you’re motivated to explore and want to learn more.

Speak Up

Asking questions and sharing ideas are the siblings to curiosity. Speaking up shows you’re motivated to learn and able to ask for help when you need it. It also shows that you’re assertive, confident, and serious about doing your job well.

Ask For That Promotion

Wouldn’t it be lovely if someone could walk in and do this for you? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Continuously increasing your marketable professional value by beefing up your knowledge bank will give you the confidence you need to ask for the role you want and own it.

Negotiate That Job Offer

When you’ve invested in learning, you get clear on your worth and will be able to negotiate a job offer that mirrors your value. Not only will you be clear on what you deserve, so will they.

Network With New People

We can get comfortable going to the same networking groups and talking to people we have built relationships with over time. But you will eventually max out your dance card. It’s important to expand your reach and make new connections.

Pivot In A New Direction

I know, I know… this one is scary. Ask yourself - does it beat the alternative? Can you stay where you are and be happy? If you’re not sure, it might be time to consider doing something different

Benefits of Getting Uncomfortable:  Stepping outside of your comfort zone goes beyond growing one's career (which is the point;). When you learn and try new things and meet new people, it increases your confidence, engagement, and exposure. You become more marketable and will garner respect from your colleagues.

Here are some parting tips for you:

•    Keep your eye on the prize - know the outcome you want

•    Take one step at a time - break it down to baby steps

•    Be okay with feeling scared - if you’re not scared you don’t feel challenged

•    Hang out with confident people - it’s contagious

•    Continuous improvement - evolve along with everything we learn

As I wrap things up here, I’m sharing a free gift with you.  Years of focusing on others’ professional development has taught me that networking – while an extremely important strategy for managing one’s career – is one of those “uncomfortable” struggles for many professionals. I invite you to download my Networking with Confidence free guide.

 

Ready to speak to a career management expert who understands what it’s like to get uncomfortable?  Let’s chat; use this link to schedule a time on my calendar.