Switch your mindset before you switch the jobs!

February 6, 2023

Happy to have you here. This time, I brought you something special.

We are well aware of the fact that our mind always plays games with us. And the same thing keeps happening to people over and over again. I hear a lot about people entering the same situation at work again. I know we always feel lost at that time. And then a big question comes to our minds. 

“Is this job good for me?”

Tell me the truth if you have never gotten this in your lifetime of work experience. Now don't look for the excuse that you are living far from home; that is why you want to switch jobs. Getting on an exceptional career path is not a straight line. You will face dissatisfaction at some point, either because of responsibilities or because of culture. My question to you is: Are you really ready for your next role?

If you are not compatible with the values or ethics of the company, you are likely to feel burned out.  Whether or not then you start looking for each thing to go out of your hands. Each one of us is looking for professional growth, but we always get upset if someone gives us feedback on our work. Well, this type of mindset is not a growth one.  

I will not spend more time explaining why mindset is important. I will let a TED Talk speaker tell you about that. The speaker explains how your unhappiness hinders your mindset and makes you feel cut off from the job or role you are pursuing.

"The Happy Secret to Better Work"- Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor, a positive psychologist and New York Times best-selling author known for his research and writing on the connection between happiness and success, in his TEDx talk, "The Happy Secret to Better Work," he shares the relationship between happiness and success in the workplace. By cultivating a positive mindset and fostering happiness first, we can unlock greater productivity and create fulfillment in our careers.

Shawn argues that our traditional approach to success, where we believe that success leads to happiness, is backwards. Instead, he proposes that we can achieve greater success and happiness by starting with happiness. By focusing on the things that bring us joy and positivity, we can create a more productive, motivated, and successful work environment.

How the simple act of smiling, writing down three things we're grateful for each day, or practicing mindfulness can help us become happier, more engaged employees. With this positive mindset, we can improve our ability to solve problems, increase our creativity, and enhance our overall job satisfaction.

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela

I know happiness is a vast subject that cannot be covered in a single blog post. But stay with me. This is not to make a great lecture; this article is where you read, learn, and implement. Before we go any further, let's look at what Carol Dwek said in her Tedx speech, which relates more to growth mindset.

"The Power of Believing That You Can Improve" by Carol Dweck

Dweck explains that a "growth mindset" is the belief that one can develop one's abilities and intelligence through hard work and dedication. Opposing a " fixed mindset" is the belief that one's abilities and intelligence are set and cannot be changed. She says that having a growth mindset leads to greater success and satisfaction in life. Because those with a growth mindset are more open to challenges, more resilient in the face of failure, and more likely to persevere in the face of difficulties.

She gives the amazing concept "the power of yet." The concept refers to the idea that we don't yet have the skills, knowledge, or abilities to perform a certain task. But we have the potential and capacity to acquire them through effort and hard work. 

It emphasizes that one's abilities are not fixed but can be developed over time. By focusing on the "yet" rather than on the limitations, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persevere in the face of difficulties, and ultimately achieve their goals. 

The power of "yet" is a key component of a growth mindset and can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson

Summarising what we learned from the speakers. That was insightful and definitely will change your perspective of seeing things now onwards.:

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical worker works 12.4 jobs throughout their lifetime (18–54 years of age). During their working lives, the average worker will change jobs 5–7 times.

This means job switches are common, and career shifts happen frequently. It's important for you to be open-minded and open to new opportunities. By embracing change, reflecting on your current situation, and developing new skills, you can set yourself up for success in your career.

Are you hyper focused on the negative aspects of jobs?

Are you hyper focused on the negative aspects of jobs? 

Because if you are, then you should read this story. This is about one only mentee who had a life changing encounter while in a job.

He worked as a software engineer for a giant tech company. Even with a great salary and stable job, he was always complaining.  He constantly complained about his boss, his colleagues, and the monotony of his work. He felt like he was stuck in a dead-end job and wasn't able to see any growth or progress in his career.

After our session, I realized that he was so focused on the negative aspects of his job. It's not about the job or the company, it's about how he views his job and his life. His mindset was holding him back from reaching his full potential.

I just asked him, "Why do we need to feel good?" He was stunned and did not have a complete answer to that.

Then, without taking too much time and making him miserable, I explain how the power of positive thinking can help him achieve great heights. When we focus on the positive, our brains release endorphins and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that make us feel good and motivated. He was amazed by this concept and started to practice it in his daily life.

From that day forward, he started to see changes in his life. He began to appreciate the things that he previously took for granted, like his colleagues, his boss, and even his work. He started to see the opportunities in his job and started to work towards his goals with a positive attitude. He also started to learn new things and take on new challenges, which helped him grow both professionally and personally.

Within a few months, his boss noticed the changes in him and offered him a promotion. He continued to work hard and grow in his new role, and eventually he was able to start his own successful company.

Our mindset plays a crucial role in our success and happiness. When we focus on the positive, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and growth. 

It's never too late to change our mindset and achieve great heights in our careers.

There might be times where you want to scream as loud as you can. Because you are frustrated. Most of the time, this happens because we choose our career path based on someone else's recommendation. A common question you have encountered is “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” At least you don't want to be frustrated by doing your job in your current role.

Last year 2022 was considered as a year of big quit or called as Great Resignation. You don't need to be the best at everything until you want to learn something and have a growth mindset. Build that mindset before resigning from the job because, whether you like it or not, you will end up in the same situation.

How your mindset can impact your job search and career success

A growth attitude may have a favorable influence on your job search and professional success. You are more inclined to network and seek out new possibilities when you have a development mentality, even if they are outside of your comfort zone. You're also more likely to be proactive in your job hunt, looking for professional development opportunities and constantly enhancing your abilities.

A growth mindset can lead to better success in your job because you are more open to new challenges and are not afraid of failure. This may result in greater prospects for growth and higher job satisfaction.

A fixed perspective, on the other hand, might lead to professional stagnation since you are less willing to take risks.

Get out of comfort zone

Some people may have a natural resistance to change, making it difficult for them to embrace new opportunities or adapt to new situations. This is where they are blocking the flow of growth. This type of mindset over a longer tenure is unhealthy. Just like you have to move your body to get in shape, you have to get into situations you know are good for you.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

People often face a number of challenges due to their mindset when changing jobs. Now I will list the most common cases, so that it becomes more robust, and you might find yourself anywhere between the words.

Self-reflection time

To consider your own situation, the following are questions you can check or uncheck : 

Let us now look at some of the best solutions.

The most attractive point that can help people in jobs who are frustrated without any path is the idea of a growth mindset. This type of mindset believes that personal and professional growth is possible through hard work and learning, which leads to a more positive and productive outlook on life and career. By embracing a growth mindset, individuals can overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and continually improve their skills and abilities. Additionally, this mindset helps individuals see failure as a learning opportunity rather than a personal failing, which can boost their confidence and resilience.

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Be yourself, Be happy!

Let's affirm together. And shift our perspective. When you say something good about yourself, you feel good. This will lead to your growth:

"I am worthy and capable of finding a job that brings me happiness and fulfillment."

"I trust in my ability to adapt and succeed in a new work environment."

"I embrace change and welcome opportunities for growth in my career."

"I am open to new experiences and willing to take calculated risks for my future success."

"I am confident in my skills and value, and I will attract the right job for me."

"I release any limiting beliefs and embrace a positive, growth-oriented mindset."

"I am grateful for my past experiences and believe they have prepared me for greater success in the future."

"I choose to focus on solutions and opportunities, not obstacles and limitations."

"I am in control of my career path, and I will make choices that lead me to fulfillment and happiness."

"I am worthy of a fulfilling and rewarding career, and I will create it with my positive mindset and actions."

Break the shackles of negative thoughts

We always end up taking ourselves hostage, held captive by our own limiting beliefs. Most of us are caught up in negative thoughts. We always compare ourselves to our colleagues and feel we are way behind them. One of the key mindsets shifts that can help in this situation is to view a job change as an opportunity rather than a failure.

View salary as one aspect of progress rather than a measure of success. Focusing on learning and developing new skills will go a long way in your career. One of the most common feelings when you are searching for a job is embarrassment. Surround yourself with a supportive community.  Being grateful for what you already have can also help overcome resistance and keep you motivated.

Are you feeling frustrated and stuck in your current job? Do you feel like your career is at a standstill and you're unable to move forward?

You're not alone! Job-hopping is a common experience for many people and can be a great opportunity for growth and change.

Imagine feeling motivated and confident in your career choices, taking control of your future, and achieving your goals. By shifting your mindset and embracing change, you can unlock new opportunities and reach new heights in your professional journey.