It is normal to feel afraid or even experience shades of doubt when you want to pivot to another industry.
You start to wonder if you are doing the right things or if you can really accomplish the task.
I have been there and I understand it.
Sometimes, it is even in that phase that you start to hear stories from others about people who started but fell by the wayside.
Here’s something to really think about so that you can have the right mindset:
Who are the people around you?
Hesitation to proceed with career elevation moves occurs when we allow individuals to constantly speak bad news, frustration and fear into our ears. When folks are conditioned to complacency and have never made certain shifts, they begin to share stories about “what they heard” and provide “advice” out of love.
Wise counsel is good but you must think about the folks who are closest to you and in your inner circle – do you operate with the same go-getter blazing trails mindset?
Here’s what you should do if you want to pivot to another industry, for example cybersecurity.
1. Surround yourself with folks who are finishers.
People who are determined to press on against all odds, people committed to achieving their goals. This is so important so that you don’t tag this move as another unfinished project!
2. Hold on to the Word and don’t get discouraged.
If you are a person of faith, find that Scripture that speaks to your situation. For example, if you suddenly think that you cannot pivot, cannot make the change that can elevate your life, remind yourself about Philippians 4:13:
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Listen up: God has not given you the spirit of fear, “but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Be intentional with your time.
Don’t waste another decade, or even one year, month, or any time giving access to scared people to speak into your ears.
Sometimes the distractions with the most detrimental impact come from those closest to you.
4. Adopt a teachable spirit and network properly.
Even if you are a big shot in the industry you are coming from, be humble. Listen and learn. You don’t know everything.
Understand this: all of us are students. Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new. Be sure to connect with folks who are already where you want to be.
Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
Belinda is an award winning thought leader on mindset, global speaker, privacy and cybersecurity professional, AI governance leader, 5X author, executive coach and strategist. Through consulting, conference keynotes, and corporate trainings, she helps individuals to achieve goals, and make maximum impact in their spheres of influence.
