Success is not quantified by money or longevity but by courage.

C. G. Thomas

Well, well, well… it’s Tuesday morning and guess what? I woke up unemployed! Say what? For over two decades, I’ve been working my way up the corporate ladder, feeling like I’m on top of the world with my healthy paycheck and successful career. But now, I’m not sure what to do next… Should I feel down and out? Meh, not really. More like, “What now?” I’m not defeated; I’m just…puzzled. What’s a person to do when they find themselves suddenly unemployed after all these years?

My story might sound familiar, with many others facing job loss in a strained economy. My initial reaction was to seek out new employment, leveraging my experience and expertise – easy peasy. But let’s be real, I was burnt out and fed up with corporate politics and managing other people’s drama. I was yearning for a change.

However, when it came to taking the leap and starting something on my own, I couldn’t help but feel afraid and overwhelmed. Questions circled around my head like a vulture, “What if I fail?” “What would I do?” “How the heck do I even begin?” I was paralyzed and self-sabotaging my ability to think beyond the box. Despite having the resources and knowledge, I was lacking the drive and courage to strike out on my own.

But enough was enough! It was time to face my fears head-on and tackle this failure to launch. In this post, let’s explore how I’m overcoming my trepidation and pushing forward to turn my dreams into reality.

What’s that lemon into lemonade saying?

As the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I had to change my sour outlook into something sweet. Instead of sulking over being unemployed, I needed to see it as an opportunity to recharge and rediscover my purpose. Though foreign to be “jobless”, I was financially stable and could afford to rest – something I desperately needed yet rarely allowed myself. In talking it over with my partner, he encouraged me to take time to rest so I could think clearly about my next steps.

Sometimes rejection or loss is exactly what’s needed to propel you toward your purpose. This unanticipated break was a chance to renew myself and determine what I was meant to do next. Rather than dread my situation, I had to embrace the possibilities and make the lemons work for me.

Use what you’ve got to get what you want.

While recharging, I reflected on my strengths and interests to determine viable income streams. Writing is my passion, but earning a living as an author takes time to build. I didn’t want to drain my savings in the process, so I had to leverage my experience. As a mortgage industry veteran, I could start my own business as a loan signing agent, allowing a self-managed schedule and six-figure earnings.

Your gifts and talents will open doors. Take inventory of your skills and interests, then put them to work. What you have is enough to get where you want to be.

Nothing to fear but fear itself.

The saying “nothing to fear but fear itself” rang true as I pursued my goal of launching a business. While I had the necessary resources and skills, fear of failure loomed large. An endless loop of worried thoughts played in my head: “What if it doesn’t work out?”; “Maybe I should just go back to a stable corporate job until I feel ready to try again.” I realized fear was threatening to sabotage my success.

To move past fear, I took action. I prepared by finding a mentor in my new industry, which helped build confidence through learning. I also shared my goals with a strong support system of cheerleaders. Rather than keeping goals private, voicing them kept me accountable and provided encouragement. Hearing positive voices drowned out self-doubt. Sometimes we just need an extra push from people who believe in us to overcome fear; my people were my family and my partner.  By facing my fear of the unknown I was able to take the steps needed to launch my business. 

In the end, fear is often the biggest obstacle standing between us and our goals. While feeling afraid is natural, we can’t let fear stop us from pursuing what we desire. By preparing, seeking guidance, and leaning on our support systems, we can find the courage to move forward despite worries and doubts. When we face fear, we open the door to growth and opportunity. While fear itself may be inevitable, allowing it to hold us back is a choice. Choose to push past fear and open the door to your future.  I hope you’ve enjoyed your view inside the mind of Sugar Clark!

Be Blessed!