What do Career Changers and Elite Athletes Have in Common?
An athlete (a runner) in the starting position
More than you may think! Just like athletes, career changers need to possess certain traits to succeed. What better time to consider the similarities as the world watches elite athletes compete in the summer Olympics.
In addition to my work as a career coach, I provide English-speaking tutoring to Italian professionals who seek to strengthen their language skills with Speak in Italy. Recently while preparing for an online tutoring session, I was introduced to this brief BBC video that outlines performance tips used by athletes in their pursuit of excellence. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/four-tips-from-elite-sport-you-can-use-in-everyday/p08lzh5j . They hold relevance for career changers as well.
Here are four tips from elite sport that may help in your career change transition.
Reframe Being Nervous. It’s natural to feel nervous when stepping into the unknown. Just as athletes experience pre-game jitters, career changers often feel anxious about their decision. Being nervous is useful and can work to your advantage. It means you are embarking on something important, or that you are stepping out of your comfort zone. Learn to reframe anxiety as excitement rather than fear. Like athletes, harness the fear as motivation to prepare thoroughly and perform at your best. Fear of the unknown is one of the most daunting aspects of making a career change.
Use a Support Team. Elite athletes have coaches, trainers, and mentors to guide them. In addition, they have family and friends who provide encouragement and support throughout their pursuit of excellence. Career changers also benefit from a strong support system. Whether it’s career coaches, mentors, or a network of peers, having a team to provide guidance and encouragement is crucial for success. Tap into your network. Simple Health Partners can also be part of your career change support team.
Mentally Rehearse or Visualize Success. Athletes visualize themselves winning before they even start the competition. Look at their faces before an event begins. They are focused on what they know they can do; their training has prepared them for this moment. Similarly, as a career changer, you can benefit from mentally rehearsing success. Visualizing a positive outcome can boost your confidence and prepare you for the normal career change challenges that lie ahead.
Practice Self-Talk. Positive self-talk helps athletes stay focused and resilient. Among many other benefits, it helps to develop a positive mindset. Similarly, as a career changer, affirmations can help overcome self-doubt and keep you motivated throughout the transition into a new position. Read my July blog on making affirmations work for you.
Embracing these traits may help career changers achieve success with the same determination and confidence as elite athletes. What strategies are you using to navigate your career change journey? Drop them here or reach out and share them with me.