We all have experienced a phase when everything feels stuck in one place, and we cannot find the way out. It is an overwhelming feeling where negative emotions and vulnerability take centre stage. Feeling confused and lost is natural, and we all go through the phase at some point. Though such phases are temporary, they can impact us if we do not learn lessons from our mistakes and evolve. Taking a step back and reflecting upon our purpose and strengths can help to identify the areas for corrective action. Mid-career professionals often feel stuck and directionless in their professional journey. Sometimes, they also feel disconnected and frustrated with the things they do. Feeling lost is occasionally necessary as it allows us to prioritise things which matter the most. However, it is critical not to get overwhelmed by emotional turmoil and to maintain stillness to navigate the situation.
Here are a few tips to deal with the state of confusion effectively.
Think Logically: Avoid making life-defining decisions under the influence of heightened emotions. When we are emotionally engaged in things we love to do, we tend to lose the ability to think rationally. Too much attachment is harmful and can affect our judgment. People often commit mistakes under emotional pressure and jeopardise their careers. Such mistakes can cost reputation, respect, and interpersonal relations. Take a pause and reflect upon your state of mind. Try to separate emotions from the situation and stop taking things personally. Give yourself a space to understand the other side/point of view and make a judgement.
Take Bird’s Eye View: During the initial days of my career, I refused a job opportunity due to differences. I was upset and self-critical about the decision, but it turned out lucky. I got a career break with better growth and changed my life 360 degrees. The crux of the story is that we need to face minor setbacks to achieve success. We also need to make room for new prospects by letting things go. Attachment is the biggest obstacle to growth and does not allow us to spread our wings and fly high. It is challenging to let go of things we are invested in, but taking a view of the larger picture is essential to evolve and move closer to your goals.
Identify Areas of Improvement: There are four critical aspects of success: Health, Mental well-being, Emotional intelligence and Spiritual growth. A healthy body and calm mind are crucial to take the right actions and decisions. Once you have set your priorities, identify your strengths and areas of improvement. Focus on incremental improvement for sustainable growth. There will be times when you will feel like going to square one again and again. The key is to be persistent and consistent in your efforts to improve in all areas of life. Sometimes, walking without guidance can push you off track because of a lack of assessment and feedback. Having a mentor can help analyse your progress and allow you to take the correct steps.
Make a Choice: I have seen many people nagging about their jobs and how going to the office is a traumatic experience for them. I feel empathy for them. When we enjoy the process, we tend to become successful. It is ok to make mistakes, but dwelling upon them is a waste of time and energy. However, we always have a choice to change our present circumstances. Switching to a new profession/career is an individual choice and comes with its pros and cons. Take time and reflect upon your risk-taking capacity and its impact on your life. Hence, be realistic and practical about your life choices. When you are 100% clear in your mind, decide for your growth and happiness.
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