How do you navigate the crossroads in your career when you are unsure of what to do next and feel a bit lost?
Your perspective in those times might suggest that all the odds are against you and the uncertainty could leave you feeling hopeless.
If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone and your frustration and confusion are quite common even among seasoned professionals.
My Journey
When I lived in Ireland I was unemployed for a period of 18 months. 18 months without any type of social security or social protection. 18 months in a foreign country struggling with visas and immigration. And more importantly 18 months just doubting myself.
At some point when you don’t have a job you start running out of money.
Despite all your accolades and accomplishments you may, like me, start wondering if you are broken or incapable of providing value to others. Your situation on the outside starts slowly affecting how you feel internally.
My mental health got so bad my mom and my sister flew over to Ireland just to encourage me because they knew I wasn’t leaving the house, I wasn’t shaving, and was just gaining weight like crazy.
But the light bulb eventually clicked on! I started to realize that even if everyone says no, I could start saying yes, to myself, and that is where my transformation began. This might appear trivial or too simplistic, but when you have a yes spirit, things start shifting in your life.
Perspective Matters
Every story has two sides to it. Yes, there was one story of me as a foreigner on a tiny island struggling through a recession. In that story the odds were against me. But at the same time another story was also true. In that storyline, I embraced the truth that I am also unique.
Living in a small city or country, usually means that entering the market should actually be easier and gives you the potential to be a part of the change that place desperately needs. Once I embraced this new mindset I went from being unemployed to being an advisor to the prime minister.
I was brought to that position because I had a unique perspective. I became one of the 7 people that signed the national policy on Entrepreneurship and was able to positively shift things in Ireland.
I’m a very ordinary person, the only difference is that in the face of so many NO’s I started asking myself who was saying yes to me. This mindset shift was born out of necessity because I needed money. What followed was a change in my attitude, focussing on the yes, rather than the no. The last part of the equation is a recurring mantra in my life and work: Start Now, Start Simple. There are so many unknowns and unanswered questions that can lead you to say no to an opportunity at your doorstep but you can change the direction of your life and embrace your purpose if you just START, by saying Yes.
Everything that I’ve built has been bootstrapped and all the things I do now were brought to life during some of my toughest times. But I’m a firm believer that hard times are fertile ground for growth. Why? Because when you are at your lowest you have less to lose and everything to gain.
The journey to creating something great during the lowest points in your life starts on the inside of you, and being able to see what might look bleak, as an opportunity. During my journey I discovered my own value and worth. I realized that I had skills and talents that were unique to me and I would find more fulfillment if I pursued a career that would allow me to fully utilize them.
This newfound ability to say yes to myself has given my life fresh perspective and a relentless momentum. In the midst of my despair, I found a glimmer of hope.
I want to encourage you to say YES to yourself, even when all odds are against you. It may seem daunting and uncertain at first, but trust me, it is worth every moment of discomfort.
By embracing your value and refusing to settle for anything less than what your potential suggests, you can discover a new path at life’s most challenging crossroads; a path that brings you joy and meaning.
Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. I along with others are here to support you every step of the way.
So, are you ready to say YES to yourself? Let’s together embark on a transformative journey towards career resilience.
If you could benefit from direct help with your dream Get in touch today
Dan Ram ignites the stage as an in-person event and virtual event MC/ Moderator & Speaker at over 100 events a year. He has shared the stage with international luminaries including President Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Reid Hoffman, Nico Rosberg, and Grammy-winning artists and celebrities. He has also been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 leader 2020 as well as a Top 100 Yale Alumni in Technology 2021. He has dedicated 2023 to providing resources and coaching 500 international dreamers who are dedicated to launching new initiatives. His passion is to inspire people with his motto ‘Start Now Start Simple’ in building a future we all want to live in. If you you are launching something new this year join #The500Club to receive resources and coaching from Dan!
Your focussed theme on the inner work we need to do to overcome our perceived obstacles is refreshing
It’s amazing how a simple mindset change can make a world of difference. Thanks for sharing these insights from your life Dan.