For News Ltd – Career 1
It’s crazy. Under normal circumstances at work, we’re accustomed to functioning with levels of confidence, comfort and a sense of control. Why is it then, that when we start a job with a different team or join a new organisation, we feel anxious?
Most likely, because we’re high-performing professionals and we have a set of personally crafted expectations to meet. When we find ourselves in unfamiliar circumstances, it’s totally normal to feel concerns about our performance, our image and our acceptance levels within a new group.
To annoy us when we least need it, the devilish, self-doubting inner-voice taps into our subconscious insecurities, and it’s negative messages move from our head to the heart, where we experience them as anxious sensations. If this is something you’re facing, you aren’t alone and there are easy techniques to self-manage your way through this vulnerable time.
Here are 5 effective ways to cope:
1. Face Your Inner-voice
Play the observer and sit on your own shoulder. Listen carefully to the irritating, unfamiliar, negative thoughts whizzing through your head. Look right at them and label each concern you can identify.
2. Objectify Your Apprehension
These adverse thoughts are only as real and as active in our mind, as the amount of time we give them attention. So let’s choose instead to release them. Write each concern on a sticky note, then crumble them up and toss them in the bin, knowing that they only represent the protective ego playing up.
3. Review Why They Hired You
Your new employer isn’t self destructive- they have good reasons for inviting you to come on board! List your strengths, and the attributes you know you will bring to the new role. Flash back to this list often during the day to re-energise your confidence and positive thinking.
4. Get Excited!
This is possibly the most powerful tool. Just as you would flick a light switch on and off, do the same with your emotions. Each time you sense anxiousness, shift your thoughts instead to ‘excitement’ and repeat often: “I love this new job- I have all the skill and confidence I need to be a success- this is fun!”
5. Envision Success
Take time when you can, to close your eyes and imagine in vivid detail the ideal you in this role- confident, happy, capable, appreciated and valued.
Commit to this new motto: “Envision, Enact, Become!” Enjoy the results!
Muffy Churches is the author of Coach Yourself, and is an internationally recognised integrative success coach. Born in the US and settled in Sydney, she works as a corporate trainer, executive coach, speaker, author, and counsellor. She has extensive experience in inspiring and initiating positive behavioural change in clients around the world. For more information visit www.muffychurches.com or contact: connect@muffychurches.com
