If you’re a woman with a grand vision for your life and career, but you find yourself…
- feeling stuck in a career rut,
- doubting if your current trajectory is right for you,
- questioning what to do next,
- or feeling like no one else understands what you’re going through.
Know that you’re not alone.
Being true to who you are and following your calling is key to living a life of purpose and impact. For some, this may mean making a change or pivoting your career.
Pivoting is not about starting over from scratch. Instead, it’s about leveraging your God-given gifts and skillset to propel yourself in a new and exciting direction.
But how do you pivot your career successfully?
Allow me to share with you my personal journey. Here’s the thing: I did not start off as a business and branding strategist. Initially, I worked as a makeup artist and stylist. Later on, I shifted to planning weddings and events while launching my blog. Although I enjoyed working in those jobs, I realized that my skills in marketing, sales, and communications helped me identify and leverage opportunities. As a result, I made the decision to go back to school and earn a degree in communications.
At the heart of my pivot was my understanding of my core strengths. I found great joy in planning and strategy, as well as in creativity and problem-solving.
That’s the magic of pivoting—finding the sweet spot where your strengths intersect. My love for creativity, planning, and strategy, coupled with my communication skills, made a perfect recipe for the world of business development, branding, and marketing communications. Basically, I found my zone of genius.
The truth is, you can’t grow if you’re constantly stuck in the past. It’s okay to set a new vision—to switch, pivot, or completely transform your life.
So, how can you find YOUR zone of genius?
Here’s a roadmap to help you pivot your career successfully:
- Self-discovery is key! Ask yourself: What truly lights me up? What skills do I excel at and genuinely enjoy using? What problems do I love solving?
- Remember, your past isn’t wasted. Those years as a makeup artist or planner honed valuable creative and problem-solving skills! Look for transferable skills like communication, organization, or creativity – they’ll be your golden ticket in a new field.
- Don’t be afraid to explore! Research different careers and chat with people in fields that pique your interest. You might be surprised by the connections you discover.
- Be a good steward of your gifts and abilities. When I talk about purpose, I cannot ignore the importance of faithfulness. Your journey toward fulfilling your purpose is a spiritual one. Remember to make the most of what you are given, for even the seemingly small things can be used for positive change and impact.
- Align your purpose with your passion. Aligning personal goals with professional aspirations can be challenging, but it’s crucial for overall career satisfaction and success. By identifying your values, passion, and desired outcomes, you can create a roadmap for achieving both personal and professional goals.
- Invest in yourself! Investing in oneself is a great way to achieve personal growth and career success. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or do anything that can help build the necessary skills for your new direction. Here are three simple strategies for career success to get you started.
- Seek out mentorship and build community. It’s important to connect with like-minded people in your field of interest and seek out mentors and sponsors who can guide you on your journey. Finding a community of people who inspire and encourage you can help you stay motivated and reach your goals. Remember, improving yourself doesn’t mean changing who you are at the core but rather building on your existing strengths and skills.
- Share your story! Your story matters. While having mentors and people who inspire you is vital, don’t forget your journey. Craft content that incorporates your lifestyle and tells your story while being true to yourself. You might even draw inspiration from Tina Turner’s powerful pivot – read about it here.
Remember, pivoting your career is an adventure, not a destination. It takes courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. But trust me, the rewards are incredible when you find your zone of genius – that sweet spot where purpose meets passion. So, take a deep breath, tap into your strengths, and get ready to build a career you love!
