Three Key Elements to Examine When Facing the Crux of a Career Shift

What do doctors, lawyers, athletes, clergy, military members, and leaders all have in common? We all have to come face to face with our self-identity at some point in our career path. 
 
Were we ushered into our challenging profession by our parents or societal standards? If yes, letting go of an identity can feel like a relief, and we get to answer the question… what's my true calling?
 
However, for those of us called into what we do, facing a shift in our identity is the crux of our life's journey. The crux can feel the same, whether the shift is due to retirement, getting older, injury, or a traumatic life circumstance. Daunting.

Regardless of why we face the crux, we are left with the question, "What's next?"
 
In rock climbing, the hardest part of the climb is called the crux. Yet, you won't reach the top if you back down off the crux. Suppose you stay the course, locate solid holds, and trust them. In that case, you will not only get to the top but also experience the view of a bigger perspective – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
In life, facing our internal crux as we shift our career and identity is similar to climbing. In this exploration, we will unpack the three key elements to consider when examining the heart of internal crux… what is next?
 
Element 1 – Gain a Bigger Perspective
 
When you are at the crux of a climb, looking up, your single goal is to get to the top. You have yet to experience the view from the top. You can't yet see the bigger picture. You are still in the grind of it all. At this moment, when it is most challenging, you can give up, or you can dig deep and remember you can make it to the top, and there is an expansive view waiting for you.
 
When it comes to a career shift, it is the same. We can see what is right in front of us, not what is possible. It helps to take a bird's eye view of life and get into the bigger picture of your life. In climbing, this means remembering that the destination is always above. In life, this means recognizing the sum of success is above the career title.
 
Consideration: Take a 1-2 hour hike, walk, or kayak and reflect on where the true value of your life comes from when you rise above it to take a bird's eye view of your life. 
 
Element 2 – Examine Your Equations
 
When lead climbing or traditional climbing, there can be a moment of question at the crux. "Why do I do this?" "This is too dangerous." "This is just too hard." "I don't see any holds." 
 
And yet the drive and challenge to succeed overrides the doubts. Inner equations are unconscious fear-based perceptions we harbor about our value or abilities. We can catch these by observing our thoughts. The sooner you catch them, the sooner you can shift them. Fear doesn't negate possibility, but it sure can block it.
 
An equation can take different shapes. For example, self-worth can be equated to a car, career title, status, or income. Someone can earn a great income, but if their brother makes more, they might feel less. Examining our mental equations helps us reach the path forward beyond the crux.
 
Also, in climbing, when each of those fears are turned around, they become strengths. "I climb because I LOVE this level of challenge!" "I've got all the gear. I'm safe." "There is a way. I will find it." Those thoughts give the body fuel and momentum and give the mind a positive direction. 
 
When facing a shift in our identity, it is ten times more empowering to shift into our truth. 
 
Consideration: Notice negative thoughts. Catch them and write them down. Reflect on: "What is the positive and yet also truer version of this thought?" Negative thoughts-beliefs-perceptions are not the truth of our lives. Get to the truth – it is a shortcut to the top.
 
Element 3 – Review the Beta
 
In rock climbing, the climber has a belayer. The belayer ensures the safety of the climber by managing the rope tension and offering beta, encouragement, and support. Beta is the perspective of the belayer on what is possible for the next hold.
 
Who are your best belayers in life that help you gain new beta to consider and, therefore, a broader perspective? 
 
Consideration: Make a list. "Who in my community gives me perspective and good beta? Who outside of my immediate community can I add to this list?" Listing out everyone can help us realize the roots we have to grow from. 
 
The list may include a personal coach, colleagues, mentors, family, friends, or other groups. Under the stress of facing a life shift, it is normal to become self-forgetting. With a list, you can return to it when you reach a new crux and consider, "Who has the best beta for this?"
 
In Conclusion 
 
Expanding our sense of self from a higher view of our lives can be one of the most daunting things we can face. Yet, it can be even more rewarding and meaningful when we pivot into new possibilities and in honor of past success. 
 
No matter what crossroads you find yourself at, facing any crux on your life path - instead of backing down - is a mentally, spiritually, and emotionally empowering process. It is a journey from success to legacy.
 
………….
 
Author: Laurel Elders, MCC, CEC
Laurel is the CEO of the Institute for Integrative Intelligence. She is an avid rock climber in her 40s, facing "what's next" after climbing. Her husband, Patrick Elders, is a military veteran of 22-years, passionate about ensuring military members have the support to locate their "next steps" after devoting themselves to a life of service. Laurel's article is dedicated to those professionals who are up to big things in life and facing a life review by asking, "what's next."

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