“Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be.”
– Heath L. Buckmaster,
Starting a new role or pivoting career can be both exciting and daunting. The anticipation of new challenges, opportunities, and growth can be invigorating. You know you have the skills to grow professionally and have the excitement for new opportunities. But what happens when the initial excitement can give way to feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, especially when you don’t feel like you quite fit in? Fear not, because resilience is your secret weapon in navigating these uncharted waters and emerging stronger than ever.
Feel it All. Your emotions are the foundation toward building resilience. When you don’t feel like you fit in your new role it is crucial to acknowledge your emotions. It’s normal to experience self-doubt and a sense of not belonging when stepping into unfamiliar territory. You are stepping out of your comfort zone and typically that is not something we do often enough. Instead of trying to suppress these feelings, embrace them as part of your journey.
Your journey opens opportunities to expand your learning. Learning of people, systems and routines. Even seasoned professionals experience periods of adjustment when transitioning to a new environment. Show yourself grace and let go of trying to fit in. Instead, focus on absorbing new information, acquiring new skills, learning the people around you so you can build strong relationships and gradually adjusting in your role.
Remember that you are not starting this role from scratch. Rather you are starting with experience. At these moments of change take time to connect with mentors from previous roles or friends that have experienced change recently. These individuals can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer insights into navigating the challenges that come with change. They’ve likely gone through similar experiences and can offer valuable perspectives on how to overcome hurdles.
While you might feel like an outsider, remember to lean into your unique perspective. It is a valuable asset. Different backgrounds and experiences contribute to diverse and innovative solutions. Embrace your individuality and view it as a strength that can enrich your team’s dynamics and problem-solving abilities. Also keep in mind that resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s a result of consistent effort and a series of small wins. The small steps you take that move you, your team or your company forward. Instead of fixating on the big picture, break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how minor, and use them as stepping stones towards building your confidence.
Be patient with yourself and the process. Out of all who applied to the role you were chosen because the interview committee saw something in you that was needed for the role you’re now in. Resilience is about persistently working towards your goals, even when the going gets tough. Setbacks are temporary, and with time, you’ll find your place.
Feeling like you don’t fit in your new role is a common challenge that many individuals face. Sometimes we weren’t taught that with growth comes the flood of uncomfortable emotions. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and development. Embrace your uniqueness, seek support from others, and celebrate every achievement along the way. Resilience is the key that will unlock your potential and help you thrive in your new role, no matter how unfamiliar it may seem at first.
Growth is uncomfortable, but it brings you closer to the person you’re creating. Not the one that is meant to fit in, but rather the one that is growing within.
Self-Reflection Questions:
How can I leverage my feelings of not fitting in to fuel my self-development and cultivate resilience in my new role?
Who can I lean on during this season in my life?
What strengths do I bring into this new role?
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