There's always a reason not to do something.  Like many things, there are unplanned and uncontrollable factors that demand our attention. 

Women, mums or dads imparticular are often caught out by meeting the needs of others.  

In this episode, I share a common story I hear from high performing busy IT professionals. And empower you to take a little more intentional control to make things happen. 

Joanne set out in 2019 to change companies, her organisation had no opportunities that she could grow into in her field of passion.

But January kick-started and so did a hugely significant work project, which she felt conscientious enough to stay and see-through, giving it her full attention. Which she always did. 

Then before you know it Easter has arrived and the kids needed her, Joanne was too busy living life and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this! Trust me, the philosophy of working hard on ourselves and our professional lives, to spend quality time with the family is the best reason of all. 

She was focussed enough after the schools went back to look for new roles. This is when the self-doubt arose, staring at lists of role requirements, Joanne felt like an imposter applying. 

Like many women, Joanne felt she needed to have all the skills to be qualified to apply. When the reality is that studies have shown male candidates will apply with just half the required skills. 

Either way, Joanne had decided that she needed a certification before applying for anything. This is where the scarcity mindset stepped in and told her it was frivolous or selfish to spend the family money on her own growth. 

Meanwhile, if you're anything like my house, eBay purchase after eBay purchase arrives at your door. And no one else feels the guilt. Or that subscription that got left running for the gym you never went. Or the Amazon Prime account that didn't get utilised. 

You get the picture, we often waste money on many things for the one time we may want to have it. Yet overthink a purchase like a course, book or a coach that could actually improve our lives or fulfilment in some way.

 Later Joanne found a discount voucher for her course that could be redeemed within 6 months and felt more comfortable with the self-investment. But then the lack of urgency meant that it was easy to park it for now. 

Before we know it it's October and Joanne needs to complete the course now. As a conscious hardworking professional she passes with almost full marks. And proudly shares her certificate on Linked in. 

So late in the year, Joanne has decided to leave it until January to continue the job search. And I'm pleased to say that she did. She was offered an incredible role which has since led to more responsibility as a senior supporting 3 associate project managers. 

And Joanne tells me the role didn't even stipulate the qualification she gained, and her only regret was not making the move sooner. 

She now has a coach in me and an ambitious career plan she's driven to achieve. Realising how she can transform her situation, and keep progressing in her key area of interest has given her the motivation she needed to love what she does. And most importantly the person she is becoming. 

Joanne's story is not unusual, many of us let other people control our schedules and priorities. We're not intentionally passive, but leaving our growth for unplanned and uncontrollable things to take over. 

Key Takeaways: 

--- Carve out 10-20% of your time for your personal growth

----Don't wake up one day feeling like you've plateaued. 

I hope this empowers you to take action.  If you want to stay in touch, subscribe to the podcast,  or connect on Linked in, Sue Parker.