Here's how you can conquer the fear of failure when considering career changes as a mid-career professional.

I like the quotes - "Failure in Success is progress" - Albert Einstein "I have not just failed, I have found 10,000 ways that won't work" - Thomas A. Edison They sound good and are very motivational but when I was face-to-face with failure, I found myself cursing my fate. But when I started accepting failure as a part of the whole game, I saw that it actually shaped my journey. Instead of trying all the options blindly, I could narrow down to fewer more relevant options because I knew which ones would actually work and why .. I genuinely wanted to be in a communication industry after spending half a decade in pure technical one. I faced many failures but all that has only made me wiser and wiser. Treat Failure as a Stepping Stone.

Admitir que o medo existe é o primeiro passo. Não tente ignorá-lo ou reprimi-lo. Reconheça suas preocupações e entenda que sentir medo é uma reação natural ao enfrentar o desconhecido. Estudos mostram que 70% das pessoas experimentam a chamada "síndrome do impostor" em algum ponto da carreira, o que inclui medo de fracassar em novas empreitadas .

Conquering the fear of failure when considering career changes as a mid-career professional involves embracing a growth mindset, focusing on transferable skills, and seeking mentorship. Set realistic goals and break down the transition into manageable steps. Reflect on past successes to boost confidence, and engage in continuous learning to stay adaptable. Remember, calculated risks often lead to growth and new opportunities.

Antes de fazer uma mudança de carreira, avalie os riscos envolvidos. Considere tanto os riscos pessoais quanto os financeiros. Faça um balanço das suas finanças, avalie o mercado de trabalho na nova área e pense em como essa mudança afetará seu estilo de vida. Uma avaliação detalhada pode ajudá-lo a tomar uma decisão informada e a minimizar os riscos percebidos.

Defina metas claras e alcançáveis para a transição de carreira. Ter objetivos específicos pode ajudar a direcionar seus esforços e a medir seu progresso. Utilize a metodologia SMART (Específico, Mensurável, Alcançável, Relevante e Temporal) para criar metas que sejam realistas e motivadoras.

As a career coach deeply invested in helping individuals overcome barriers, I'd like to share some insights on conquering the fear of failure when considering a career change. First, acknowledge that fear is a natural response to change—embrace it as a protective mechanism rather than an obstacle. By recognizing this, you can differentiate between irrational fears and legitimate concerns, allowing you to focus on practical steps forward. Assess the risks thoughtfully, prepare for worst-case scenarios, and set clear, attainable goals. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to keep motivation high and build confidence. This approach not only empowers you to manage fear but also facilitates a smoother transition to your new career path.

I have changed both roles and industries several times in my career and doing research to learn as much as I can about a new venture has helped me be successful in each role. I used both formal and informal methods of learning. From taking an online course to advance my Excel skills to reaching out to an old college friend about program management.

One of the best way to handle change is just taking baby steps to get familiar with the new area and that is by learning more about it . Remember your mind will reject the initial phase as it is unknown territory . You may feel even have physical symptoms of rejection like stomach ache or pain in other parts of your body ..learn to understand your body and physical rejection till it disappears .. You will know that the you have circumvented your pain when you know longer reject the action ….. soon it will be part of your minds muscle memory 🤓..and you will know that you can do any change in career or otherwise if you want it badly enough !

Invista em educação e treinamento na nova área. Quanto mais você souber sobre a nova carreira, mais confiante se sentirá ao fazer a transição. Participe de cursos, workshops, leia livros e artigos relevantes e considere obter certificações se necessário. O aprendizado contínuo é fundamental para reduzir a ansiedade e aumentar a competência.

Informational interviews are crucial when considering a mid-career change. Think of them as prototyping a product or service. Just as a prototype helps refine and validate an idea before a full-scale launch, informational interviews allow you to test and explore a new career path without committing fully. By speaking with professionals in your desired field, you gain invaluable insights into the industry's realities, required skills, and potential challenges. This process not only provides clarity and direction but also helps build a network of contacts who can offer guidance and support as you transition into your new career.

Considering a mid-career change can indeed be daunting, but fear of failure shouldn't hold you back. Start by investing in your education about the new field—take courses, attend workshops, and find a mentor. This not only boosts your confidence but also shows your dedication. Lean on your network; connecting with those who've successfully navigated similar transitions can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement. Lastly, embrace the growth this change brings. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and evolve, helping you step out of your comfort zone and into a fulfilling new career. Remember, growth often stems from embracing new experiences and challenges.

Além dos pontos mencionados, considere também a importância de manter um equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e profissional durante a transição. Não negligencie sua saúde mental e física. Práticas de autocuidado, como meditação, exercício e manter um hobby, podem fornecer a estabilidade emocional necessária para enfrentar os desafios da mudança de carreira.

Always remember how you felt about change in the course of your career, what you learned from the risks and challenges. There is always someone coming up behind you that will benefit for you sharing the wisdom you gained through experience. Share it with them! It will help them and you.