Seizing Your Next Opportunity
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New opportunities are exciting, especially when they come as a result of your hard work over a long period of time. In the space between closing a difficult project, and taking on a new one, there is a unique sort of clarity, where you can exhale, take a pause, and feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished, while also feeling inspired to take the next step. You’ve put in the work, and now, you’re able to enjoy the moment; to shine in the spotlight.
Then, if you’re at all like me, reality hits. With a new opportunity on the horizon, the goalpost has been moved and the go-forward strategy may need adjustment. You may not be starting from the very beginning, but still, you are going to be starting from square one in this new level.
Suddenly, there is so much to learn, new processes to develop, and experiences to be had. The dream of success often contrasts with reality. In the dream version, one would hit the ground running and transition seamlessly, and confidently, into a new role. In reality, to level up means that one must get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and once again, it’s time to get ready to ask questions, pay attention, and learn the new lay of the land. We’ve all heard the saying, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” Well, with each new opportunity, a new journey begins.
So, congratulations on your accomplishments! You’re ready for the next step. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin that new opportunity:
Take Notes: You probably already know this, but it’s always a good idea to take notes as you transition into a new role. Document as much as you can, even if you think it may not be important. Take notes on the processes, the players, feedback, and, of course, the goals and outcomes. I also like to jot down my personal reactions and reflections, so I can review later and notice any common themes on where my own interests may be developing.
Focus on incremental improvements: The truth is, you’re probably not going to master a new skill overnight. There will be moments of success, and missteps, along the way. The most important thing to focus on is being consistent in terms of your learning, fine turning, and growth.
Incremental improvements will add up over time and will move you in the right direction. For example, a rower isn’t likely to improve their average split time by 30 seconds overnight. Instead, they will see that over time, their split time will decrease as they become stronger and improve their technique through consistent training.
Trust yourself: I’ve discussed how important it is to surround yourself with people you trust, including coaches and mentors that can provide you with advice, and encouragement, to help guide you from point A to point B. In addition to trusting those around you, it’s important to trust your skills, experience, and the role that you played in your past success.
You didn’t arrive at this new destination by accident. Yes, there may be a certain degree of luck that impacted your experience, but nevertheless, you’ve earned this new opportunity. It’s easy to fall into imposter syndrome, but let those feelings pass over you; let them go. At the end of the day, it’s key to trust and believe in yourself and your abilities.
Take ownership: In my experience, I’ve excelled the most in positions where I was able to assume responsibility and take ownership of my role. As you move into a new position, it’s important to look for ways that you can make it your own. How can you add your unique perspective and experience to the role? Once you have a grasp on existing processes, it’s always fun to look for ways to innovate. You may be able to leverage that list of personal reactions and reflections here, but here are a few questions you may want to consider:
Are there processes that can be made more efficient?
Has the business or industry evolved in a way that the previous deliverable or service is no longer addressing key concepts? Or are there emerging ideas that you want to explore?
Is there a new service, or data point, that can add value for clients?
As you become more comfortable in your new role, remember that what worked for the previous person, may not work for you. We all bring our own experiences and point of view to the table, and at the end of the day, your superpower is that unique perspective. It can be imitated, but never truly duplicated.
New beginnings are exciting, and you never quite know where they will lead. Enjoy the journey! You’re ready!
