“Proving yourself is a never ending battle with yourself that is hard to win.”
Yesterday, I wrote about building a network of like-minded people and community (see step 28). The purpose of this exercise was to create a supportive group of people who can understand your aspirations. Sometimes we are lucky to have these people close to us and sometimes we are not. So what can you do if you experience a lack of understanding with your family and friends? Do you set yourself on a journey of trying hard to prove everyone, including your loved ones that you are right and you can do it? Or do you give in, listen to your friends, family, and give up following your aspirations?
“To achieve success and share connection, one must master being open to hear and deal with the concerns of others.”
Experiencing a lack of understanding or a disapproval from your family and friends about your career choice can be heartbreaking and disappointing. What one has to realise at this point is that as much as your family and friends care for you, they also worry and experience concerns about your future. They also possibly want to spare you from disappointment. So the question is what can one do to create a supportive environment at home? The answer is simple – connect and communicate without the judgment or defending yourself.
Be open to hear and understand their concerns. They may see obstacles that you do not see and give you recommendations based on their personal success. Acknowledge their concerns, ask for support and connect with each other. The aim of the conversation is not to establish who is right and who is wrong. The aim is to connect and express that you are open to receive their support in achieving your goal.
Step #29 coffee break exercise:
Think about your dream job. List down family members and friends who you feel disapprove of your choice.- Now imagine that you can have an open non-judgment conversation with them. List 1 question for the following:
- how can you find out their concerns or reasons?
- how can you find out what challenges or obstacles they can see?
- how can you assure them and ask for support?
- Have an open conversation with these people. The first conversation may seem challenging and uncomfortable. Stay calm, present and acknowledge each other. Supporting each other with your friend or partner will make it easier and more fun.
*Haven’t got a buddy but need the support with your job search? Feel free to join our FB group or book a discovery call with me. Like our FB page to stay motivated with inspiring quotes.
Can’t wait to read your comments and tips. Drop a comment below …
Comments
I love this post! It took me a long time that I was never going to feel happiness until I stopped trying to make everyone else happy. With time and experience, I learned that the only person I had to impress was myself…always striving to be a better person that I was yesterday.