living on the edge
navigating new challenges and finding new opportunities can be exhausting. it is a combination of anxiety and excitement, but the ups and downs as some doors close and others open can constantly feel like living on the edge.
there are a few tools that i have relied upon through such times.
- create multiple identities
pursue a parallel ambition that is completely different from the main challenge you are navigating. it does not have to be very big or time consuming, but should be something that is specific and intentional. volunteering, pursuing a milestone in some hobby etc. in my case, while i figure out what my next venture is, i have also started training to be a yoga teacher. being able to see yourself with multiple purposes helps you from over obsessing with that main identity you associate yourself with.
- don't dwell on closed doors
i've developed a nearly surgical approach to moving on from closed doors. thank everyone involved in the opportunity, reflect on the top 3-5 learnings from the experience, then commit to improving the relevant ones before exploring the next door. rinse and repeat. resilience is key to succeeding in life, and there's no better time than now to hone it. this also involves maintaining a healthy internal dialogue and celebrating others' successes. at first, this may feel forced, but with practice, it has made it possible for me to genuinely celebrate others' journeys, while being comfortable with the understanding that my own path is uniquely mine, complete with its highs and lows.
- take care of yourself physically, socially and emotionally
some form of physical workout - hikes, dancing, running, lifting - is the drug for positivity. i am not the first person to say it. so is keeping an active social life with people that add to you - a walk with a friend, checking in with a mentor, meeting family members. it is easy to let these things slip when the drive to chase the new opportunity takes over, but these add immensely to maintaining a calm balance.