There it was again, that sick feeling in my stomach on Sunday night. It was triggered weekly by the realisation that I’d soon be going to bed and waking up with a whole week of work ahead of me.
This feeling had become all too familiar and continued all the way through to the sound of my alarm ringing the next morning. It was never just one alarm either, needing to bribe myself with 5-minute pockets between 3 different alarms before I eventually dragged myself out of bed.
Does this sound familiar?
Maybe you’ve followed all the “right” steps, you’ve made responsible choices that have led to a comfortable life. But you can't shake the feeling that something’s off.
That feeling isn’t random, it’s a signal.
What I later realised was my current career path (and the next step I was striving for) wasn’t for me anymore. All my working experience leading to this point was valuable, but it was time for something different.
For me, that was a career overhaul, I said goodbye to the profession I had studied. But that's not necessarily the right answer for everyone.
- One of my clients took a role with more responsibility in a calmer environment. She now focuses on her zone of genius without the intense stress that had been sending her nervous system into overdrive.
- Another loved her job, she needed to advocate for her goals and preferences. Which, once raised, her boss was more than happy to accommodate.
- A third needed a plan for her career progression. A strategic goal-setting session with her boss was key to reigniting her sense of fulfilment.
The answer looks different for everyone.
The takeaway: The longer we ignore the symptoms, the louder they get.
Instead of powering through with “no one loves their work, they just do it anyway” and “if it was easy and fun it wouldn't be worthwhile” leave those comments in the 1950s where they belong and instead tune inwards and listen to what your system is telling you right now.
If this is resonating with you then have a listen to this week’s podcast episode where I walk you through the 3-step process I use with my coaching clients when they feel stuck or misaligned: Reflect, Reassess and Realign.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Remember: There’s a difference between what you actually want… and what you think you should want.
Going through this process is braver than you think. If you’re in the middle of it I want you to know I see you and all the hard work you’re putting in.
Until next time, reflect, reassess, and give yourself permission to realign with what truly matters to you.
— Nat
PS If you want support with this process, book a free call with me to work out whether 1-1 coaching is right for you.
PPS What would your ideal Monday morning be like if it was truly aligned? Reply and tell me, I’d love to know!
