Top Tips for the “Big Shift”
It's fair to say the world of work is changing in unprecedented ways. But this isn't a time to grab your popcorn and get the best seat in the house. This is a time to consider the opportunities that lie ahead.
Many are predicting "The Big Shift". A period of time where huge numbers of people pursue new jobs or pivot in their careers.
But where will they shift to?
In the last 10 years more and more people have started to launch their own ‘side-hustles’. Side-hustles are the passion projects that keep people sane while they toil away at the daily grind. It seems that the global pandemic has given us all time and reason to think about these projects and assess what’s truly important.
The Big Shift describes switching out your "side-hustle" (the thing that gives you purpose and passion) and putting it centre-stage. It describes the transformative process of making career decisions based on what's really important to you and finding a greater sense of fulfilment from what you do. Say goodbye to the daily grind and hello to the new way of being.
Here’s our top 3 tips for those considering the Big Shift:
1. Have an Edge.
The number one way of taking on the Big Shift is to really know what sets you apart. What do you want to bring to the table of your choosing? Part of this may be professional excellence (skills and competencies) but alongside that are your values and beliefs, your mission, identity, personal leadership and purpose. Research shows it’s the human qualities that are most important in this age of digital. You may have been told the soft stuff is the weak stuff. Far from it, it’s the edge you need and there’s nothing soft about it.
2. Get ahead of the Gremlins.
Whether it’s imposter syndrome or fears of taking the leap, we all experience negative internal dialogue at some point. While these gremlins may seem intimidating at first, their presence is a sign that you’re somewhere between your comfort zone and growth.
To get ahead of the gremlins we can take a creative approach by using a thought experiment. Try this one for size:
Think about the big shift you’re looking to make. You may not have any of the finer details right now but allow your mind to take a step into that future – perhaps a year from now. Now image being filled with the knowledge that it was the best decision you ever made. Allow that to land for a minute or two. Now, looking back from your position in the future, ask yourself: “what are the fears or beliefs that could have stopped me achieving my Big Shift?”
3. BEGIN and create a Learning Loop.
Most people are hamstrung by the fear of failure. But what if we believed that there is no such thing as failure, only opportunities to learn? Lean into the shift you’re looking to make and try it out, even if you don't think you're ready. Then start your learning loop:
BUILD: hold your tasks and outcomes lightly. Treat your efforts as your "best educated guess" and be willing to get things wrong.
MEASURE: see how it lands in the real world. Tackle new experiences with open minded scepticism and pay attention to the feedback you receive.
LEARN: work incrementally. What worked for you and what could be improved?
REPEAT: keep cycling through this process. ALWAYS.
The more you do, the more you will learn, the more clarity you will achieve. When it comes to swimming in the wide open of the Big Shift, "thinking" alone just doesn't cut the mustard. If you’re considering a Big Shift of your own, then join the conversation:
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