Realizing that feeling uncertain is a shared experience among successful individuals
Many of us look up to successful people, assuming they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. However, the reality is often different. Even those who are at the top of their fields frequently question their decisions and capabilities. This shared experience of uncertainty can be comforting, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.
Feeling Lost in Your Career? You’re Not Alone
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It’s not uncommon to feel lost or uncertain in your professional life, especially when you’re pioneering in your field. This sense of not knowing what you’re doing, despite outward success, can be both unsettling and surprisingly common. If you’re grappling with this feeling, know that it’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to navigate through it and find your path forward.
Understanding the challenges of trailblazing in creative professions
In creative professions, the lack of a clear handbook or defined expectations can lead to decision paralysis. When you’re doing something that has never been done before, it’s natural to feel unsure about the next steps. This can be particularly daunting after completing significant projects, as the absence of immediate next steps can leave you feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of choices ahead.
Author Quote
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I sometimes feel like I kind of know what I’m doing but a lot of the times I feel like I’m I don’t know how I even got this far like I don’t even know how I did what I did last week like much less how to do it again this week.
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Recognizing the impact of personal life changes on professional uncertainty
Life events, such as becoming a parent or finishing a long-term project, can significantly impact your professional life. These changes can amplify feelings of uncertainty, making it even harder to feel confident in your role. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are a normal part of the process.
Key Takeaways:
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Embracing Uncertainty: Adults with ADHD often experience a high level of uncertainty in their professional roles, especially in creative or trailblazing positions where clear guidelines are absent. Recognizing and accepting this uncertainty as a normal part of their journey can help reduce feelings of inadequacy and decision paralysis.
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Identifying Consistent Strengths: It's crucial for adults with ADHD to recognize their consistent strengths and abilities, regardless of the shifting nature of their roles. By focusing on what they know they are good at and what they enjoy, they can maintain a sense of purpose and direction amidst chaos and change.
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Permission to Persevere: Feeling like you don't know what you're doing can be mistaken for failure, which may lead to thoughts of quitting. However, it's important for adults with ADHD to give themselves permission to keep going, even when the path forward is unclear. Support from a community can reinforce this perseverance and lead to fulfilling achievements.
Embracing a Growth Mindset and focusing on your strengths
To navigate this uncertainty, it’s crucial to adopt a Growth Mindset. This involves recognizing your strengths and the consistent through lines in your work, regardless of how your role has shifted. By focusing on what you do well and what you enjoy, you can build confidence and move forward, even in the face of uncertainty.
Author Quote
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Recognize your strengths recognize that there are strengths that regardless of what job you’re doing right now or what how your role has shifted are consistent like look for those through lines what do you consistently good at what do you consistently like to do what what is true no matter how chaotic everything gets right.
"Overcoming the challenge of feeling inadequate in your role to achieve a fulfilling life through Emotional Intelligence
One of the most significant challenges highlighted in the transcript is the feeling of inadequacy despite professional success. This can be particularly challenging for adults with ADHD, as it can exacerbate feelings of not knowing what you’re doing. However, by developing Emotional Intelligence, you can learn to manage these feelings and use them as motivation to continue growing and achieving. It’s not your fault that you feel this way, but it is your responsibility to work through it and create a fulfilling life for yourself and those around you.
Feeling lost or uncertain in your professional life is common, especially with ADHD. Navigate this challenge by leveraging your strengths and exploring new paths forward with the Focus Foundations eBook.
