Kelly Harrington

I invited guest blogger and career expert, Rikk Hansen, to share his thoughts with you on how to voyage through the ‘in between times’ as you traverse from a career you might like so much to one you love.  He has great insights and tips for you here. And a special gift for my community. Enjoy! -Kelly

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By Rikk Hansen

Have you been there… suspended in a kind of limbo somewhere between work that has lost it’s spark and a new fulfilling path?  I certainly have. Several uncomfortable journeys there in fact.

It’s maddening.

Endings are hard enough. By the time you admit it’s time to let go of something, you’re exhausted and feeling more than a little beat-up.  You’re ready for relief. Ready for something better. And honestly, ready for some certainty.

But instead, you often find an uncertain limbo. A confusing between-place that can extend much longer than the practical-brain can stand.  It’s not what you were expecting. And you wonder what you might be doing wrong.

Recently I met Ellen and her story reminded me powerfully about this normal but daunting territory…
Ellen doesn’t dabble.  She dove into law. She did the mountain of schoolwork, passed the bar, and invested all of her effort and talent. Then she entered misery.

Ellen’s battle to make her profession work took its toll over 10 years. The stress and misery wore at her pride, ate at her self-confidence and, eventually, impacted her health.

Finally, with the gut-deep feeling of standing on a cliff edge, she leapt – quitting, and leaving law for good.

Between-Dreams

Recovering from her leap, Ellen moved to a state far away from family and accepted a job unrelated to law.

As clear as she became about what she didn’t want, committed and brave enough for her leap – Ellen still doesn’t have clarity about what she really does want next.

Between-dreams: the past has ended but no clear new beginning has arrived… So what do we do to move through this time?

4 Affirmations for Your Time Between-Dreams

I’m guessing that you’ve been there. If you, or someone you love, is currently between-dreams with their career or other important area of life.

Perhaps your leap hasn’t involved actually leaving the old lifework – but is more of an “inner ending.” An internal knowing that this lifework is no longer enough, along with a clear commitment to find a more true work path.

Either way, know this: While disorienting and at least a bit scary, this time between-dreams is a gateway to your next fulfilling lifework.

From my experience, I offer the following 4 affirmations for your journey through this transition:

1.  The Time Between-Dreams is Normal and Natural.  Every healthy, natural growth process includes a pause point. Even breathing. Every creative process begins with an incubation stage. Your current lack of clarity is not a lack in you.

2.  This Time Between-Dreams is Important.  It is a preparation. Something in you is preparing the creative ground for a truer vision, and gathering energy for creating a work and life that are more brilliantly YOU.

These big changes happen below the surface – and aren’t easy to measure with your normal ways of assessing progress. While internal, they are essential.

3.  This Time Between-Dreams is Renewing.  More than rest, this time will lead you to a clearer and deeper sense of purpose. You will come to know your passions and your natural gifts more intimately. And you will commit to them more fully than ever before.

You will emerge from this time more rested, more focused, more ready, alive, and on-fire than at any other time in your life.

4. This time Between-Dreams is Spiritually Rich.  Beyond the clarity and vitality your time Between-Dreams will unleash; you’ll be changed. More yourself.

The changes this period brings are highly individual and deeply personal. You may be finding a new level of trust in Life; an increased ability to be fully in the moment; and gaining a new freedom from old anxieties.

As one past client said, after emerging from his mid-career transition, “I’m a new person.”

You’ll notice the list didn’t include, “It will be easy.” It won’t.

Yet, I’m guessing that your own past transitions support these affirmations – that, in hindsight, they’ve been times of growth. And that they ultimately opened you into positive, and prosperous, lifework changes.

This time is important. There’s a reason you’re here.  As my wife likes to say, “A gift in ugly wrapping paper.”

See this territory with eyes and heart open to what in you is being prepared to shine.

And perhaps, at least for sweet & elusive moments, you’ll catch the feeling that you’re not falling at all – but soaring… toward your Brilliant NEXT.

Are you between dreams?  Any tips for your fellow readers? Questions for Kelly or me? Leave them on the blog here! We’ll respond soon.

>>> And… If you are between-dreams or may be in this stage soon, I invite you to join me for my upcoming seminar:

I’ll share my “Renewal Map” that’s helped thousands of mid-career men and women navigate their way between-dreams to a more fulfilling LifeWork. This seminar is a value of $379 and is being offered to Kelly’s Career Max Group community as my no cost gift.  Go here to learn more and claim your full scholarship. NOTE: The offer is only good while spaces are available.

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Rikk Hansen is a a guest expert contributor to the Career Max Blog. He is a Career Renewal Coach who has coached, taught, and consulted nationally for the past 24 years. In the early 90’s he co-founded Centerpoint Institute in the Seattle area, received national attention (including recognition from Richard Bolles and other career transition leaders), and trained several talented coaches.

Currently, Rikk is the Founder of Brilliant NEXT. Living in the mountains near Yosemite with his wife and 9-yo son, he guides intensive programs that combine a deep understanding of career renewal, the support of small groups, and powerful individual coaching.

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