How to take action on the idea youâve been sitting on
Read time: 4 minutes
Earlier this week I shared a LinkedIn post that resonated with people, sparking plenty of conversation, encouragement, and shared experiences. The level of engagement made it clear: so many people feel stuck in positions that no longer serve them but are unsure how to transition away.
At the core of this is fear.
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Fear of failure.
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Fear of the unknown.
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Fear of moving away from the familiar.
And itâs something I can relate to.
For years, I followed a path that society deemed âsuccessfulââtraining as a doctor and working in the NHS. From the outside, it looked like I had it all: a respected profession and a secure future.
But internally, I felt disillusioned and unfulfilled. The work I was doing was important, but didnât align with the vision I had for my life.
What I wanted was to carve my own path and build a career that reflected my values. So, I took the leap (much to my dadâs dismay):
I left medicine behind and ventured into strategy consulting, before founding my startup Bloomful, a personalised coaching app supporting women on their health journeys.
Leaving that steady path was the hardest time of my life:
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Self doubt
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Many challenges
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Wondering if I had made the right choice.
And whilst building a startup isnât easy (especially in the current climate), I can say with certainty that following what I love was the best decision I ever made.
Because staying in a position, role, business, that feels misaligned with your values isnât just frustrating, it holds you back from reaching your potential.
And in the current age of seemingly endless opportunity, thereâs never been a better time to carve out a pathway that truly works for you.
5 Practical steps to move forward
1. Up-skill
I talk about upskilling a lot, as Iâm a big believer that investing in yourself is one of the best things anyone can do for themselves. The world is evolving rapidly, and continuous learning is essential to staying relevant. Commit just 30 minutes a day to learning something new, whether itâs through online courses, books, or hands-on projects.
2. Visualise best-case scenario
Our brains are wired to focus on worst-case scenario, but what if we imagined everything going right instead? Visualisation is something Iâm trying to implement more, especially since discovering the amazing Maya Raichoora. Just five minutes a day visualising yourself succeeding in your dream scenario primes the brain to find and receive it.
3. Break it into steps
When my son gets overwhelmed learning his weekly spellings (theyâre getting hard!) I tell him to forget the list of ten words, and just focus on the first three. Immediately it feels manageable; then the next three. The same principle appliesâbig changes feel overwhelming. Focus on the one clear, achievable thing you can do today to move closer to your goal and build momentum.
4. Learn from those whoâve done what you want to do
With people more visible than ever, itâs so much easier to learn from those whoâve achieved what you aspire to. Whether itâs building a particular business or achieving a role in a specific industry. Read their stories, watch their interviews, and learn from their mistakes to help you avoid pitfalls.
5. Find a support network
The people around you can either push you forward or hold you back. As a founder, being around other female founders for support and knowledge sharing makes the journey easier and less lonely. Find communities, groups, and networks that align with your aspirations and share your goals.
BONUS: Document and share the journey
For the longest time, I kept things to myself, preferring to operate in stealth mode. Then I realised my story is my superpower, and that people connect with people. Sharing the journey keeps you accountable, inspires others, and helps you attract opportunities. Share your storyâthe wins, struggles and lessonsâby creating content that engages and inspires others.
The takeaway
Donât stay stuck! Itâs amazing what can happen when you donât allow fear to stop you. Today Iâm building a business I love, one that aligns with my values and helps others on their own journey. We're growing, and even raising funding. You can do the same.
Hope that was helpful! Reach out if you need more insights or support.
Speak soon!
Dupé
PS: whenever you're ready, feel free to enquire about working together: Get guidance on how to be more visible and grow your brand. Whether youâre looking for 1:1 coaching, or ready-to-post content, hit reply and letâs chat!
