The You You Know Is In You

Last week I walked by a billboard that has stuck with me ever since. 

It said:

“Become the You You Knew Was In You”

Become the you you knew was in you. 

It is a bit of a tongue twister but it is profound. 

For so many folks in midlife who want to pursue a career change it often starts with a quiet knowing, a sense of discomfort or a voice in your head inviting you to consider something different.

I think that voice or that knowing is telling you there there is a You inside of you that you know you are capable of becoming. That in some way you are playing small. Even if on paper it looks like you are playing big. 

I can relate. When I was in my corporate executive jobs I thought I was playing big - I was chasing promotions, leading bigger and bigger teams with bigger and bigger mandates. I worked hard, and for many years I loved my work. I was ambitious and had the impressive resume that showed that ambition. 

But there was a voice inside me that got louder and louder saying “bet on yourself”. 

I knew deep down that I was shifting out of alignment with my own definition of success. Not my parents definition, or society's definition, or what I “should want” but own definition (that I didn't even know at the time). 

I knew that I could be playing bigger. Saying what I wanted out loud. Doing work that made a difference in a way that was meaningful to me. Putting myself out there. Pushing past fear. 

It took me years to actually listen to that voice. I would jump on a new opportunity every 2-3 years when I needed a change but always feeling a bit stuck. 

I had to realize that the discomfort of going after what I wanted was less than the discomfort of staying stuck. 

I had to become the me I knew was in me. 

The me who helps people.

The me who takes risks.

The me who shares her story since she knows it will help others. 

The me who asks for what I want.

It wasn't easy. It was scary. It still is some days.

But the discomfort of going after what I want is WAY less than the discomfort of staying stuck.

What is your inner knowing telling you?

If it is telling you it is time for a change you don't need to take a massive leap. 

You can start small. 

- Spend time journalling about what work you love and the impact you want to have. 

- Ask someone in a different field for a coffee chat. 

- Find a coach/mentor/friend to be a guide as your explore what's next. 

-Read articles about an industry that interests you.

But just start.

Take a baby step to become the you you know you was in you. 

Do you want to explore what it looks like to have someone help you get started on this journey?