Is there a job that you would absolutely love to have, but you haven’t worked up enough gumption to even apply for it let alone actually be offered the opportunity to do it full-time? Does your mind fill with self-doubt and, “I can’t do it” phrases every time you think about pursuing your dreams of working in a field that you are sure would satisfy every ounce of your soul? If so, unfortunately, you’re not alone.
Almost everyone I’ve talked with has echoed this way of thinking when it comes to following their passions professionally. It also hits home with me as I felt the same way once – before I decided that it was time to face my fears and start turning my dreams into a reality.
From Law Enforcement to Full-time Writer
If you’ve followed my writings at all, then you know I used to be in law enforcement. I transported prisoners, extradited individuals on felony warrants, conducted bench warrant sweeps, and even went out on patrol in my spare time. Policing was my life. That is, until I was presented with an opportunity that would change my world forever.
My now husband had been offered a job in the State of California, some 2,500 miles from my hometown in Michigan. He wanted me to go with him, which meant not only walking away from friends and family, but also walking away from the career that I had worked so hard to build.
I knew I didn’t want to go into law enforcement in California as I had gotten a lot out of it primarily because I was serving my community – the same community that I had grown up in and learned to love. I had no desire to go into someone else’s community and police it. Plus, I lacked the desire to work my way up the ranks again, so I knew that a move also meant a career change. But what career would I choose?
Ever since I was a little girl, I had always wanted to write a book. So, after months and months of deliberation, I finally decided to make the move. I was going to join my love in California and I was going to be a full-time writer. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared to death.
What if I failed and couldn’t earn any income? What if I wasn’t as good as I thought and no one would want to read my works? What if, what if, what if? Luckily, I didn’t let any of these fears sideline me and I can proudly say that I am now in my second successful career and can honestly call myself a “writer.”
So, how can you do what I did and get the job you’ve always wanted but never had the guts to go after? Here are some general guidelines that helped me along the way and I believe can help you, too:
#1 Prepare Yourself as Much as You can
Whether you are switching fields entirely like I did or simply going for a different position within the same general area, you want to prepare yourself for the transition as much as you can. Maybe you need to take an extra class or two so that you’re more qualified for the job you want, or perhaps you should save up some extra cash if your job requires being self-employed, which usually means no real income initially.
#2 Research Others Who are Already Doing Your Dream Job
One of the quickest ways to learn exactly what you need to do is to study those already doing it. Read their books and articles or look through their autobiographies to see which skills and traits helped them climb to the top. Learn from their mistakes without having to make them yourself and let them guide you through the process.
#3 Instead of Asking Yourself, “What if I Don’t Succeed?” Ask Yourself, “What if I Do Succeed?”
When I changed my way of thinking from what could go wrong to what could go right if I made the career change, doors and windows opened and my world started to change dramatically. It was as if my decision to pursue my career of choice was a catalyst that propelled me toward my goal of being a successful writer at lightning speed.
#4 Focus on Your Strengths and not Your Weaknesses
Too many times, we talk ourselves out of pursuing our own goals because we spend more time thinking about what we lack in regard to our dream job as opposed to what skills and abilities we have that would help us excel. Think of all of the ways in which you would naturally shine in the position you want and let those be the things that make you strong as you begin to take steps toward it.
#5 Take One, Small, Baby Step
The first step is usually the hardest, but once it is done, the rest of the steps come easier and faster. Commit to taking that initial baby step and let your momentum lead you the rest of the way. Perhaps you could check out all of the openings in your area or look at companies that hire the position you want and see what their requirements and qualifications are.
#6 Turn Your Fear into Excitement
Fear and excitement are two very similar emotions in that they both have the ability to make the blood race through you veins and heighten your sensitivity to the world around you. The only difference is that fear tends to hold you back whereas excitement is more inclined to help you push forward. Get your mind to turn your fear into excitement, and you’ll release the chains that have kept you from your dream job for far too long.
#7 Visualize Yourself Doing Your Dream Job
This is a very small, yet very powerful technique to get what you want. In fact, a lot of top Olympians use visualization to help them earn a medal in their sport of choice. When you regularly imagine yourself reaching a goal such as getting the job you’ve always wanted, you tell your mind to stay alert to the possibilities that will lead you in that direction. It is as if you are magnetizing yourself to draw in the people and events necessary to make your dream come true.
Do these seven things and you’ll be in your dream job before you know it. You’ll be living the life you’ve always wanted to live… just like I am.
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