Change Challenge: Coach Sara Answers

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See my answers in BLUE :)

REFLECTION:

Clues to your next great chapter of change can be found in the learnings and reactions to some of the pivotal past moments of significant transformation. As we start 2025, dedicate time to examine these moments with a fresh lens. 

As we go through this exercise take a “stream of consciousness” approach where you write the first thing that comes to your mind and don’t be afraid to ramble or omit punctuation. 

MY CHANGE:

When I graduated with my master's I was at a loss for what to do next. I hated my job. I transitioned my degree in the 11th hour after I found that I also hated student teaching. So, instead of graduating a certified High School English teacher, I had recast my course load to align to adult education with no idea what future job prospects would look like. I learned about a program where I could get a temporary work permit in Ireland and could buy myself the better part of a year to work and figure it out in the Emerald Isle. I went there with no lodging or job worked out and with 2 weeks’ worth of money with which to figure it all out. After quickly determining Dublin wasn’t the place for me, I went to Galway and made a go of it. I was able to find a place to live, and a job! An actual job related to my degree. I was ecstatic and went from feeling so stuck and lost small to feeling inspired and successful and larger than life.

Try to put yourself back in the “as it was happening” headspace, how did you characterize this change to friends and family? What specific language did you use?

I recall being very nervous about the trip. I used the term "crazy" a lot and discussed it as something I was just as afraid as I was excited to do. Although this was entirely under my control, I recall feeling as though I had no choice. There was definitely a tone of desperation and resignation in my pre-travel conversations. After I got there, though, my confidence grew by leaps and bounds. I was really excited by the novelty and needed to figure things out, and had the last panic attack I ever had in my life in the first week I was there. I found myself making decisions (live in Galway instead of Dublin) and navigating the challenges of obtaining a job and a place to live. I remember that I used the word "Luck" almost exclusively. I was experiencing the luck of the Irish, etc. when I described how things were going for me during this time, and often even after the trip concluded. 

How would you talk about it differently now? Challenge yourself to describe it again with different language. Imagine a stranger is reading along…what’s a key part of this story where they might ask “WHY?” Can you build the explanation into this second version of the narrative? 

I was apprehensive about this next chapter of my life, but I persevered in the face of that uncertainty. It occurs to me now how brave I was, as bravery is something I value very highly and can be rather tough on myself about. I was bravely navigating a change that intimidated me, along with a slate of new experiences. Overall, I was generally feeling pretty exhilarated by the whole thing, although there were a few tough days, especially in the beginning. While I certainly was fortunate that things worked out for me,

I was also experiencing what now might be called a flow state. I was feeling good and projecting confidence and positivity and this almost certainly led to many of my "lucky" outcomes.

One might ask why I felt I needed to go across the Atlantic instead of just getting another job, or taking some sort of post-graduation sabbatical in the U.S. In my youth, and especially before the successes of this trip, I had a real scarcity mindset. I didn’t have life experiences that told me that the world was full of opportunities and I could dream what I didn’t see and make it be. I didn’t feel like I could just quit my job without something else lined up, and this felt like it could be the kind of shake-up that would give me clarity. Little did I know just how greatly it would expand my worldview and opportunities. 

If you had to come up with at least 1 thing, what new or different insights do you have about this change event now?

Like I mentioned, I have not, maybe ever,  used the term "brave" to describe myself at this time. I have given a lot of credit to luck and pluck, but the fact that I got on that plane instead of just resigning myself to whatever outcome I could cobble together on my own right after graduation, is something I am really proud of and recognize the difficulty.

I am also remembering how good I felt while doing this. I know to some degre it is because of the novelty of an extended stay in a beautiful place. But I feel certain it wasn't just the exoticism but also the rising to the occasion - of moving out of fear to be in charge of this adventure and these handful of challenges. There was a feeling that I was in the "right" place/activities and there was an ease of experience that reinforced this feeling.  

When you think back on this time, what 2 traits or characteristics about yourself are you most proud? (Or, if this is challenging for you, what might a close friend or family member cite?)

Trait/Characteristic #1: BRAVERY :)

Example of this trait in action: 

I distinctly recall the feeling of being at the airport and waiting to be called onto the plane for the trip over. I was so anxious that I remember nauseously wondering how I would physically get myself on the plane. I remember my group being called and sitting there, frozen. For just a moment, frozen, then jumping bolt upright and saying "Sara, let's go" as though another dimension of myself took the driver’s seat. I was scared and I did it anyway, and that is bravery.  

Trait/Characteristic #2: Resilience

Example of this trait in action: 

My job interview for the training coordinator position (in a multinational fortune 500 corporation) was by far the most intimidating process I have ever been through… to.this.day. The final round was a presentation we had to develop in 30 minutes and then deliver on a topic we would be given that day. Long story short, the topic was impossible.

However, I still managed to stay focused, put together my best materials and present them, confidently and smiling, while also sweating through my clothes. I left there CERTAIN I would not get the job, but I kept my composure through the entire process. I'll never know if a dozen people turned down an offer before me, but I was elated to accept that job offer shortly thereafter.

Finally, taking the entire experience into perspective, how will you honor what you’ve learned today in your future change chapters? Can you name something specific, whether it’s something to hold onto, to let go of, perhaps to spend more time thinking on, or simply acknowledge an “aha” moment you had in this exercise? 

I will definitely hold onto the idea that I am brave and carry it forward into the changes to come. Specifically, when I have those moments of nagging doubt or am tempted to take a negative view of myself, I will remember that my story is one of bravery - and I have eveidence to support it! I want to carry that descriptor at the forefront of how I am thinking about myself and as a key characteristic to consider in the plans I am making for myself .

Before we transition from this exercise, think about the effort you’ve put in and what you have gained so far! How will you reward yourself for a job well done? 

I will make myself a smoothie! My health goals require that I focus on building a high-fiber, plant-centric diet. This little treat will support my goals while still feeling like a splurge.

*** I hope you enjoyed this exercise, and will continue to work through applying this fresh lens to several of the pivotal changes from your life. Not only is it a good practice overall to care out time for reflection, we're working on key techniques like scaling and reframing that can help you navigate change more successfully int he future.

We will revisit this information, and continue to put new change skills into practice, throughout this year of change!