With all that has been happening in the world lately, there is a growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction with the status quo. As a result, many people (including myself and my clients) find ourselves pondering changing direction with our lives and careers.

Global change impacts us all

We only need to look at history to see that when massive shifts occur globally, everything changes. Industries collapse and new ones appear. Societal shift can vary from minor to dramatic.

Aside from the current pandemic, there are a multitude of examples where global change has caused changes in direction for the world as a whole, nations, communities and individuals. A few of examples immediately spring to mind; the Industrial Revolution, the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War and more recently, the GFC. 

In each of these situations the impacts were far-reaching and long-term and the changes that resulted were instrumental in shaping how future generations treated the world and their role in it.

It doesn’t take a history student to know these were significant global events and each one resulted in dramatic changes at a global level leading to life changes for all people.

Other triggers for change

Regardless of whether it is a significant global event, an occurrence in your community, a major life event or just a growing discomfort that triggers the desire to make a change, there come times when we feel the need to change direction.

Changing direction can be a choice we consciously make, or something that is decided for us. Sometimes circumstances dictate that a change of direction is the only way to move forward.

Significant events or global events can result in a new, or different, way of looking at the world.  Having experienced significant change, the way we interact with the world differs too.  It is logical therefore, that at times when we have undergone massive changes in our lives, the way we approach the world must change also.

Of course, there is merit in staying the course, staying in your own lane and pursuing your own track or goal too. Especially as it relates to ignoring what others are doing, avoiding the ‘comparison trap’ and remaining true to what is right for you and you alone.

However, there are times when we need to pause, take stock and consider the direction we truly wish to take; what IS right for us.  Whether that be reconsidering due to our ultimate life goal, because of a major global event or significant life event has made us reconsider every decision; pivoting and changing direction is normal.

Indeed, it can be absolutely necessary.

When a swerve is required

A change in direction could also be, a ‘swerve’. A swerve as Michelle Obama describes it in Becoming, is simply doing something unexpected. In the book, she shares the story of an ex-boyfriend who instead of going straight to medical school after college (as expected), embarks on a career as a sports mascot. Yes, one of those guys who entertain next to the game in a furry costume.

He did go on to medical school, however, took a swerve off the expected path of going straight to medical school, to do something that was fun and that aligned with one of his dreams.

And this is what resonated with me. How many of us are putting off pursuing a dream because it doesn’t fit in with our current life?

The concept of a swerve feels liberating in this context and especially considering our current global circumstances. Instead of feeling that you have to pursue your dream and forevermore be on that particular path, a swerve allows you to experiment, play and explore an opportunity, option or dream without being tied to it for the longer term.  

Right now, for example, that might mean using this next period to explore a creative passion that you’ve previously not had time for because it requires a time commitment. Perhaps deciding to learn a new language, practice a musical instrument or pursue something else that has always been on your bucket list.

A swerve implies that you will return to the expected, regular path but you will take a short detour along the way.

Unless of course, the swerve becomes a course correction.

Course correction

Sometimes when we change direction, it's not a full 180° turn.  It can be merely a course correction. This is a slight adjustment that more accurately takes us where we want to go in our lives.  But even a small correction can still feel enormous, especially if it requires significant mindset or behavioural change.

As simple as it sounds, it's true what they say; little adjustments every day can really add up.  Small course corrections can have a significant impact down the track.

I read about an extreme example from 1979.  A passenger plane left New Zealand on a sight-seeing flight to Antarctica and back, with 279 passengers on board. The pilots didn’t realise their flight coordinates were 2 degrees off, meaning they ended up 28 miles east of where they thought they were. As they approached Antarctica and lowered the plane to provide a better view for the passengers, the instruments sounded a warning but it was too late. Where the pilots had assumed they were flying over flat ground, they were directly flying towards an active volcano, Mount Erebus. Tragically, the plane crashed into the volcano, killing everybody on board.

This occurred due to an error of only a few degrees. The slightest of course corrections or change in direction could have prevented this tragedy.

Why do I share this example with you? Simply to reaffirm; it's okay to change direction, even slightly. It can be lifesaving.

Career change can be direction change

Personally, I have undertaken swerves, course corrections and full scale changes of direction in my career.  As a teenager (major areas of study),  in my early 20s (university degree studies), in my mid-20s (career), in my 30s (career and family) and again now (career, life, purpose and more!).   Each period involved a form of change - career change, life change, purpose and/ or trajectory change.  I guess I'm embracing the idea that change keeps us young!

Some of the big changes that I have undertaken include becoming Tupperware salesperson, moving from a corporate human resources role to being a consultant, and of course, retraining as a life coach! Add to that I have adjusted my coaching focus from grief to life to career… and you see, each of us are always evolving and changing.

Life events can change your direction

Each time I made a significant change in my course, the catalyst was a major life event.  Extended solo travel, exposure to new ideas, purchasing our first home, marriage, parenthood, and the loss of my second son; all of these were events that encouraged me to reflect and consider the trajectory of my life. And yes, sometimes change direction.

Personal motivation to change your direction

But for you, it needn't be a life event or even a global event that encourages you to feel ready to make a change.  You may change direction simply because you feel a deep-seated need to change.

To mix things up.

To get out of a rut.

I'm not suggesting change for change’s sake, (although that can work too) but rather that it is okay to change direction and move forward on a different path. And that there are times in our lives when the circumstances we find ourselves in lend themselves to exploring the opportunity to change.

This may be that time for you.

I know sometimes we fear judgement, or what others will say or think about our change of plans or approach, and those concerns stop us from even considering making a change. However, honestly, it’s no one else’s business. You do you.

Most importantly, we need to stay true to ourselves, and if that means using global change to change our own direction to feed our soul, and our heart, or to find our life's purpose, that’s a good outcome.

Where to start?

Where and how to start are the questions I am most often asked by clients.

Firstly, I always recommend you lean into your feelings about why you desire a change.

• What is driving this desire?

• What is currently happening in your life?

• Is there a dream tugging at your heart?

Spending some time pondering, reflecting and journalling can assist with uncovering your own personal catalyst for change if it’s not easily identifiable.

Once you’ve done this and are able to articulate what has brought you to seek a change, it’s a good time to speak to someone. This is where a coach (that’s me!) comes in. Speaking to someone who is removed from your day-to-day life can offer a different perspective. Through this, greater clarity can be achieved regarding what type of change you are desiring and the outcome you are seeking. In addition, depending upon the engagement framework, a coach can provide assistance with articulating the next steps and support you as you take action towards your goals.

Having a clear sense of the change you desire, the direction and/or outcome and actions to support you getting there provides a greater sense of self-confidence; you know you can make the change you desire.

As a Career and Life Confidence Coach, I support people make the changes they desire, so they can feel more aligned, purposeful and confident in their careers and life. All coaching with me starts with a complimentary consult, so we can get to know each other.

Book your complimentary consult today, and we can chat about how I can help you as you explore the opportunity to transition and redirect your life.