Imagine waking up every day excited about your work, using your creative talents to make a real impact, and feeling truly fulfilled in your career.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, it doesn't have to be. As creatives, we have the power to shape our professional lives in ways that align with our deepest passions and values.
I recently had the pleasure of discussing this very topic on the "Impact of Mindset" podcast, where we dove deep into the art of building a career from the inside out.
In our conversation, we explored my journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a career coach, and how that transition taught me invaluable lessons about career fulfillment. We talked about the importance of confidence, the power of aligning your work with your authentic self, and why career changes should be celebrated, not feared.
From tackling imposter syndrome to embracing your unique narrative, we covered the essential steps to crafting a career that truly resonates with who you are.
And now, I'm excited to share these insights with you, breaking down the key strategies that can help you transition from a corporate role to thriving as a consultant or independent contractor. Whether you're feeling stuck in your current job or dreaming of a career that lets your creativity shine, this article will guide you through the process of building your career from the inside out.
Let’s get to it…
1. Start with Your "Why"
As I shared in this episode, the first step to career fulfillment is understanding your "why." In the episode, I emphasized:
"Confidence really starts with…the why. Like, if you are really sure about what it is that you're doing, that helps your confidence so much."
Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What kind of impact do you want to make? What values drive you? When you align your career with who you authentically are, you'll find that confidence naturally follows.
2. Embrace Your Unique Story
As creatives, we bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Don't let this be a reason you shrink back – it's your superpower! Which is why I talk about the importance of "enhancing your professional narrative." This means tailoring how you speak about yourself to highlight your unique strengths and experiences in a way that’s most relevant to your target opportunity.
Remember, your background as a creative is an asset, not a liability. It's just all about how you frame it.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Building confidence in your new career direction takes time and practice.
"It's literally just repetition. You've got to get the muscle memory down by sort of embodying this new identity of who you're becoming, speaking about that identity, and then you'll be more comfortable selling that identity to the marketplace or the workforce."
Start small. Practice talking about your new career direction with friends or in low-stakes networking situations. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel.
4. Listen to Your Inner Voice
Throughout the episode, we also talked about the importance of tuning into your own desires and needs, rather than following a prescribed career path.
And here’s the main takeaway…if you don’t remember ANYTHING else, remember this:
"Career is an inside job. You have to build it from here (points to heart). Otherwise, what are you doing it for?"
So, trust your instincts, and let them guide your career choices.
5. Embrace Change and Growth
Remember, it's okay for your career to evolve—it's actually normal. In the episode, I admitted:
"I didn't anticipate that I would evolve. So it started to be like, ‘well, my friends all have houses, and I don't think I can afford a house right now. And I'm ready to kind of get married. I want to have kids one day. Am I really going to be working like this’?"
Just like mind did, your priorities may shift over time, and that's perfectly fine. Allow your career to grow and change with you.
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Building a career from the inside out is about creating a professional life that resonates with who you are at your core.
It's about finding work that not only pays the bills but also brings you joy and fulfillment.
And you have so much to offer the world, friend.
By focusing on your strengths, embracing your unique story, and staying true to your inner voice, you can create a career that is both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.
And remember, if you need a little extra support along the way, I'm always here to help you light up your career match from the inside out. ✨