Embracing What Scares You: My Journey from Shy to Fearless

In life, we are often told to stay within our comfort zones, to avoid risks, and to play it safe. But what if the very thing that scares you is what leads you to greatness? As someone who was labeled as "too quiet and shy" for most of my life, I’ve learned that embracing fear can be a powerful catalyst for growth and success.

Here’s my journey of doing what scared me and how it transformed my life.

Moving Away to College

The first step in my journey was moving away to college. Everyone around me doubted my ability to make it on my own, insisting that I was too quiet and shy. Despite their doubts, I packed my bags and stepped into the unknown. It was terrifying, but it was also the beginning of my transformation.

Becoming an RA

In college, I decided to challenge myself further by signing up to become a Resident Assistant (RA). Once again, people told me I wasn’t cut out for it. They said I was too quiet and shy to handle the responsibilities. In this role, I proved my leadership abilities. Being an RA taught me conflict resolution and how to step up when needed.

Leading a Student Club

Not stopping there, I took on the role of President of a student-led club. This was another step that many thought I couldn't handle. They doubted my ability to lead and inspire. But I thrived in this role, learning to communicate effectively, manage a team, and create a vision for our club.

Switching Careers

After college, I faced the daunting decision of switching careers from Counseling to Recruiting. It was a significant change, filled with uncertainty and fear. But I trusted my instincts and made the leap. Each job change (9 companies since graduating!) brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. This is a story for another day, but each switch made me more adaptable and resilient.

Pursuing an MBA

Deciding to get my MBA was another intimidating step. Balancing work, studies, and personal life was no easy feat. Yet, it was a decision that expanded my knowledge, network, and career prospects.

Starting My Business

Perhaps the scariest leap was starting my own business. Entrepreneurship is fraught with risks and unknowns. But the desire to create something of my own, to help others, and to push beyond my limits drove me to take this bold step.

Moving Away from My Hometown

Finally, moving away from my hometown was another fear-filled decision. Leaving behind familiarity and comfort to start anew is never easy. But it allowed me to grow independently and gain new perspectives.

Why You Should Embrace Fear

Through each of these experiences, I’ve learned that fear is not a barrier but a signpost pointing towards growth. Doing what scares you forces you out of your comfort zone, challenges your limits, and ultimately, makes you stronger and more resilient.

Tips for Embracing What Scares You:

1. Acknowledge Your Fear: Recognize that fear is a natural response to the unknown.

2. Take Small Steps: Start with manageable challenges and gradually take on bigger ones.

3. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth.

4. Reflect on Your Progress: Regularly look back at how far you’ve come and celebrate your achievements.

5. Stay Persistent: Keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

Embracing what scares you can lead to incredible growth and opportunities. My journey from a quiet and shy individual to a confident career coach and business owner is a testament to the power of stepping into fear. I encourage you to face your fears head-on and see where they take you.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re ready to embrace what scares you and transform your career or business, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to turn your fears into stepping stones towards success.

Until next time, keep chasing your dreams!

Nirva Mentor

The Power of Networking in Career Transitions

Transitioning to a new career can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you're shifting to a new industry, role, or even starting a business, one element remains crucial for success: networking. As a career coach specializing in career transitions, I’ve seen firsthand how effective networking can open doors, provide support, and accelerate career growth.

In the past, networking made me so nervous. I worried about who would be in the room, and what if I didn't know anyone there or didn't meet anyone? Then I took a breath and realized everyone attending is there for the same reason - to network! This became my reminder every time I made excuses not to attend a networking event. I also started setting a goal to connect with at least one person. This helped change my perspective, and now I walk into events more confidently and leave feeling empowered and excited to make more connections.

Here’s how you can leverage networking to navigate your career change successfully.

Why Networking Matters

1. Access to Opportunities: Many job openings aren’t advertised. Networking can uncover hidden opportunities through referrals and insider information.

2. Gaining Insights: Conversations with professionals in your desired field can provide valuable insights into industry trends, company cultures, and the skills needed for success.

3. Building Confidence: Engaging with others can build your confidence, improve your communication skills, and help you articulate your career goals more effectively.

4. Receiving Support: A robust network can offer emotional support, mentorship, and guidance during the transition period.

Steps to Effective Networking

1. Identify Your Network: Start with your existing connections. Make a list of friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances who might have valuable insights or connections in your desired field.

2. Expand Your Network: Join professional associations, attend industry conferences, and participate in online forums and groups related to your target industry.

3. Leverage Social Media: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. Update your profile, join industry groups, and actively engage with content relevant to your new career path.

4. Request Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and request informational interviews. This is a low-pressure way to learn more about the industry and make valuable connections.

5. Attend Networking Events: Both virtual and in-person events can be great for meeting new people. Prepare an elevator pitch about your career transition and be ready to discuss your goals and interests.

6. Follow Up: After meeting someone new, follow up with a thank you note or message. Keep in touch by sharing relevant articles, congratulating them on their achievements, or simply checking in periodically.

Remember to be genuine in your connections and choose networking events that will help you achieve your goals. Building a network takes time. Be patient and consistent, and remember that each connection has the potential to lead to new opportunities.

Until next time, keep chasing your dreams!

Nirva Mentor

Strategies to Boost Your Confidence and Ace Your Next Interview

Walking into an interview room can be nerve-wracking, but with the right strategies, you can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies to help you exude confidence and ace your next interview!

1. Take Time To Prepare: Before the interview, research the company, its culture, and the role you're applying for. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and practice your responses. Preparation builds confidence and ensures you're ready to articulate your skills and experiences effectively.

2. Dress for Success: Choose attire that reflects the company's dress code and culture while making you feel comfortable and confident. This goes for an in-person interview and virtual! Dressing professionally can enhance your confidence and leave a positive impression on your interviewers.

3. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to boost your confidence and mindset. Remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and qualifications for the role. Visualize yourself succeeding in the interview and landing the job.

4. Focus on Body Language: Nonverbal cues play a significant role in communication. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight to convey confidence and professionalism.

5. Showcase Your Accomplishments: During the interview, highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your abilities and how they align with the company's needs and goals. Remember to talk about what YOU contributed and stay away from what your team contributed.

6. Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the information and demonstrate your interest in the role and company. Active listening shows confidence and engagement.

7. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building rapport and establishing a connection with your interviewers. Be genuine, enthusiastic, and personable while showcasing your personality and unique qualities. Let your passion for the role and company shine through.

8. Follow Up: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. A thoughtful follow-up demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive impression on your interviewers.
   

By implementing these strategies, you can boost your confidence and position yourself for success in your next interview. Remember to prepare thoroughly, practice positive self-talk, and showcase your qualifications with authenticity and enthusiasm. Additionally, keep in mind that just as the company is interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. It's essential to ensure that the role aligns with your goals and values. It's perfectly okay to decline an offer that doesn't meet your criteria (more about this in another post). With the right mindset and approach, you can ace your interview and land your dream job.

Until next time, keep chasing your dreams!

Nirva Mentor