Every time a leader moves up to the next level it brings excitement, but it also brings out the doubts and insecurities.
It can also happen when you take on more responsibilities that are new to you. One of my business mentors referred to it as a new “first.” This is when you go through something for the first time. It feels uncomfortable and it is filled with unknowns. It is completely normal and the same experience that everyone goes through when they take on something new. They may not admit it, but they feel the same thing.
Think back to when you were a kid, there were so many firsts that you experienced: riding your bike, learning how to swim, going to grade school, and learning to drive. You navigated all of those firsts successfully. So why is this different? When you were a kid, you had someone (a parent or a friend) behind you cheering you on to do it. Now you are on your own.
As you grow older you have to push through the uncomfortable and know inside that you can navigate this change. Don’t let yourself hide and miss out on a great opportunity. There isn’t someone there to hold your hand, but you don’t need them to do that anymore. You have to trust that you know what to do or you will figure it out with the help of others. These type of “firsts” help you to grow and develop the most.
Focus on what you can control and accomplish.
Don’t allow yourself to get caught in fear or comparison mode. No one is expecting you to know everything on day one, so why put that type of expectation on yourself? Instead focus on slowing down, so you can be curious, listen, ask questions and build up your competency in this new space. This will not be your last “first” in your career. Give yourself the time to learn how to do it in the best way so you are better prepared for the next one.
You have 90 days to figure everything out when you take on something new, so use that time to show up and take it all in. Then you can take all those learnings and apply them to make this new space your own. This will allow others to visibly see how well you managed the change and think about you for future opportunities.