Changing your career can feel overwhelming. Imagine standing at a crossroads, not sure which direction to take. This is a common feeling for many people, especially when faced with big life changes. In her book “Four Directions for Career Change: Gathering the Seeds of Your Potential,” Lynda Rogerson, Ed.D., emphasizes the importance of awareness as the first step in this journey. Awareness is like a flashlight that helps you see where you are and what lies ahead, making it easier to choose the right path.

Awareness means being honest with yourself about your current situation. It involves recognizing how change affects you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. For many of us, when faced with change, the natural reaction is to resist. We might cling to the familiar because it feels safe. But as Rogerson points out, resisting change only makes it harder. Often, the changes we resist are inevitable, and the more we fight them, the more stuck we become.

In the book, Rogerson uses the metaphor of ocean waves to describe how change happens. Sometimes, change approaches slowly, like gentle waves that barely touch the shore. Other times, it crashes into our lives like a powerful storm, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and lost. No matter how it arrives, change always brings new opportunities. But to take advantage of these opportunities, we must first become aware of them.

Being aware also means understanding the emotional impact of change. Career change, for example, can trigger a range of emotions—fear, anxiety, even grief. Losing a job is not just about the loss of income. It can also mean losing a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Rogerson encourages readers to acknowledge these emotions instead of pushing them aside. By facing these feelings head-on, we can begin to understand them, process them, and eventually move past them.

Awareness isn’t just about recognizing your emotions. It also involves becoming aware of your thoughts and assumptions. Many of us hold onto certain beliefs about career change that can limit us. For example, you might think that you need everything to be perfect before you can make a move. This kind of thinking can keep you paralyzed, unable to take the necessary steps toward a new career. Rogerson challenges these assumptions, encouraging readers to let go of outdated beliefs and embrace new ways of thinking.

Changing your mindset is crucial for making a successful career transition. Instead of seeing change as something to fear, Rogerson suggests we view it as an opportunity for growth and development. This shift in perspective can transform how we approach career change, making it less daunting and more exciting.

The first step in any career change is becoming aware. You need to know where you are, understand how you feel about change, and recognize the thoughts that guide your actions. By cultivating this awareness, you can navigate the complex journey of career change with greater confidence and clarity. As Rogerson reminds us, it’s essential to gather the seeds of your potential along the way, nurturing them as you move toward a more fulfilling career. With awareness as your guide, you can turn challenges into opportunities and take control of your career path.