Get Off the Struggle Bus! Navigating your executive brand presence.

In our professional journeys, many of us find ourselves on what I like to call the "struggle bus." This metaphorical bus represents the challenges and obstacles we face, particularly when it comes to defining and refining our personal executive or leadership brand. It's a journey filled with overthinking, over-delivering, and often, a fear of vulnerability and taking risks.

The Fear of Vulnerability

One of the primary reasons we get stuck on the struggle bus is the fear of vulnerability. In our careers, just like in relationships, we often avoid stepping into the unknown. We overthink and over-deliver as a way to avoid taking that next step, fearing that we might fail or have to confront some harsh truths about ourselves. This fear keeps us spinning our wheels, avoiding the risk of stepping into the chasm of the unknown.

Overthinking and Over-Delivering

Many of us, especially those who are highly capable, tend to take too much accountability. We get caught in a cycle of overthinking and over-delivering, which keeps us on the struggle bus. Instead of taking small, inspired steps towards our goals, we get stuck in a loop of trying to perfect everything before making a move. This perfectionism can be paralyzing and prevents us from making meaningful progress in our careers.

The Impact of Societal Systems

Societal systems often normalize struggle, making it seem like an inevitable part of our professional lives. This normalization can be detrimental to our nervous system and overall well-being. The cultural expectation to endure struggle and resist quitting can lead to stagnation, hindering our personal and career progress. It's important to recognize when it's time to move on and let go of stories and situations that no longer serve us.

Recognizing the Signs

So, how do you know if you're on the struggle bus? Here are some signs:

• Revisiting the same topics: If you find yourself ruminating over the same issues repeatedly, it's a sign that you're stuck.

• Avoiding risk: If you're avoiding taking the next step - such as publishing an article, or setting up a personal brand dot.com for yourself - because of fear of failure or vulnerability, you're likely on the struggle bus.

• Physical and psychological health: Struggle often manifests in our bodies through tension, anxiety, and stress. Pay attention to these signals.

Getting Off the Struggle Bus

To get off the struggle bus, it's essential to take small, inspired actions. Here are some strategies:

• Center yourself: Focus on your needs and well-being. Recognize your strengths and areas of expertise.

• Take small steps: Embrace the mantra "perfection is the enemy of good enough." Take small actions and move forward, even if it's not perfect.

• Seek feedback: Publish your work, seek feedback, and learn from it. This will build your confidence and help you grow.

• Widen the lens: Talk to people you trust and respect. Their perspectives can help you see new opportunities and directions.

Embrace the Journey

Remember, moving forward in your career doesn't mean you have to have everything figured out. It's about taking small, inspired steps and being open to change. Embrace the journey and allow yourself to grow and evolve.

If you find yourself stuck on the struggle bus and need help navigating your personal executive brand, I invite you to get in touch with me for an introductory 30-minute personal brand consultation. Let's work together to get you moving forward and achieving your career goals! Book me >