How to Believe in Yourself on Your Journey to Success… Even When It’s Hard
Learning how to believe in yourself as a teacher can be challenging. Doing it as a teacher leaving the classroom can be even harder. Keep reading for our best tips to boost self-confidence while exploring alternative careers for teachers.
Your journey beyond the classroom can be both exciting and challenging… it’s completely normal to have times of uncertainties and moments of imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
When anyone is considering a career change or going after a big dream, doubts about competence, worth, or success may creep in. This is true for educators considering leaving teaching. It's crucial to both recognize these thoughts and understand that they are a natural part of any transformative journey.
This blog post aims to inspire and guide educators exploring alternative career paths by delving into the importance of believing in yourself as an educator, even when you’re not seeing results.
5 Ways to Believe in Yourself as a Teacher Leaving the Classroom
Leaving the classroom is probably not the first time you’ve had to work on your confidence as a teacher. From your first year in the field to facing new challenges, building new skills and taking on leadership opportunities, teachers are constantly pushing themselves to learn and grow.
That doesn’t stop when you decide to look for alternative careers in education. Whether you want to pursue a freelance curriculum design career or dream of starting your own business, overcoming self-doubt will be key to your success.
Here are 5 ways to be more confident and believe in yourself as an educator — even when it’s hard:
Reflect and Be Unapologetic About Your Desires:
Amidst your journey of self-discovery and transition, take a moment to find clarity and reflect on your true desires.
Ask yourself, What do I truly want to do next? How do I want to feel? This introspection is a powerful tool for gaining clarity about your aspirations and aligning your actions with your authentic self.
Consider how you want to show up for yourself as you embark on this new chapter. Will I shrink and play small, or will I boldly pursue my dreams? Embrace the idea of being unapologetic in going after what you want.
Recognize and Confront Self-Doubt:
Acknowledging self-doubt as a teacher is a great first step towards overcoming it. When you hear a negative thought or recognize your mind going to a place of self-doubt, it's essential to shift perspectives and redirect energy toward positive and empowering thoughts.
Here are some ways to do this:
Shift your perspective: Instead of dwelling on what might go wrong, focus on what could go right.
Give yourself a pep-talk: Consider the accomplishments, skills, knowledge, passion, and expertise that have brought you to this point, and envision how they can shape your future endeavors. (Create a list to remind you of your greatness when you need it!)
Lean into energy-giving practices to reconnect with possibility: Make a list of activities, people, or resources that energize and inspire you. Whether it's listening to an uplifting podcast, doing your favorite exercise, reading inspirational quotes, or listening to motivating music, keep this list handy.
When self-doubt creeps in or you’re faced with challenges and moments of uncertainty, reconnect with these sources of positive energy to reignite your passion and remind you of the possibilities that lie ahead.
These energy-giving practices can be a source of motivation and inspiration. A deliberate, intentional connection to positivity can help you overcome obstacles and keep your focus on the exciting possibilities that await. This is one of the best ways to believe in yourself when you’re facing new challenges.
Trust Your Instincts and Embrace Uncertainty:
Learning to believe in yourself starts with trusting yourself. And trusting yourself involves listening to your instincts and intuition. If your desire to explore a certain new career path(s) persists, trust that inner voice guiding you toward change. This trust in your instincts can provide the confidence needed to navigate uncharted territories.
Try to view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Embrace the chance to discover new passions, skills, and avenues that align with your personal and professional aspirations.
Take Action:
Believing in yourself as a teacher is not just about positive thoughts – it's also about taking intentional and strategic action. Break down your goals into manageable steps and create a roadmap for your transition. Whether it's acquiring new skills, networking, exploring opportunities, or applying for a job, each action you take contributes to your journey.
By taking action (even small steps!), you not only demonstrate your commitment to your aspirations but also build the momentum necessary for a successful transition. Remember, each step you take is a testament to your belief in yourself and your ability to shape your own destiny.
Cultivate Resilience and Support in the Face of Setbacks:
The road to fulfilling your dreams and goals likely won’t always be smooth, and setbacks are inevitable. Cultivating resilience involves bouncing back from disappointments, learning from “failures” and feedback, and adapting to new challenges. Each setback is an opportunity to grow stronger and refine your path.
Surround yourself with a supportive network or community that understands your journey and can offer guidance and encouragement. Sharing your aspirations and challenges with others can provide valuable insights, emotional support, and inspiration during moments of self-doubt.
Ready to move confidently toward a fulfilling, rewarding career beyond the classroom?
The path to a fulfilling career beyond the classroom is a personal journey, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. You can get support as you learn how to believe in yourself as an educator taking on new roles.
The Educator Forever Network is a course + community designed to help you successfully navigate your path beyond the classroom with authenticity, reflection, and a commitment to pursuing your dreams.
We've helped thousands of teachers like you to embrace what we call the 4 C’s on their path (Clarity, Confidence, Community, and Commitment) to reimagine their role as an educator and successfully land flexible new careers. We’d love to help you do the same!
If you’re ready to expand your impact and income in education, join the Educator Forever Network, where you'll get:
✅ Our signature Beyond the Classroom Course (newly updated with the latest information and everything you need!) for step-by-step guidance as you navigate your career journey.
✅ Live empowering group calls each week, including our community calls, skills-based workshops, coworking sessions, educator wellness circles, and more.
✅ Access to our exclusive jobs boards with exciting new freelance, contract, part-time, and full-time job opportunities posted daily!
You’ll also become part of an inspiring community of like-minded educators who are passionate about expanding their impact and income in education.
We’re ready to cheer you on your path to success!
Sign up now to empower yourself and take your education career to the next level!