Throughout your journey to success, there will be challenges that knock you down and force you to step back and reevaluate. That’s okay – it’s all a part of the process. The important thing is to not let these challenges hold you back or stop you from pursuing your goals. I am always on the lookout for the silver lining. I am always looking for ways I can take what I’ve been given and turn it into something that can move me forward. And it’s critical that you start doing this as well if you want to get ahead and stand out in the tech world.
Look for Opportunities in the Challenges
A few years ago, I was in a bad car accident that limited my ability to travel. That accident led me to stumble into the remote work that I still do to this day. While some people may have looked at the accident as a step back, I looked at it as a side step and then a huge leap forward.
Instead of letting the accident hold me back, I increased my value exponentially with a new role at a great company. I got to expand my skillset into security and voice, which were two emerging technologies at the time. This new job also gave me the time to create the DevelopHer platform, which has opened up more doors than I ever expected. Don’t get me wrong, it was a long recovery from that car accident. It was extremely difficult. And I could have wallowed in it and felt sorry for myself. But instead, I chose to look for the silver lining. I found an opportunity in this lateral sidestep rather than as something that was going to hold me back.
Keep the Momentum Going.
In order to succeed, you’re going to fail. Let me elaborate. You will hit pitfalls, roadblocks, and many challenges along the way. You are going to try and fail and try again.
I fail really quickly. But I also recover really quickly. I set micro-goals and then focus on those micro-goals and go all in. That’s how I’ve achieved so much. Using short-term goals helps me achieve more because I see roadblocks quicker and, therefore can modify plans faster, and ultimately keep my momentum going.
I work extremely hard not to let challenges hold me back; rather, I look for new ways they can help me move forward.
Patience is a Virtue
I was not an overnight success. I’ve hit so many roadblocks along the way and have had many ups and downs throughout my career. It’s important I say that because too many people make it seem like success happens instantly. Being a woman in tech means you’re the underdog. It’s going to take time.
When you do hit those bumps along the way, remember that usually, what looks like overnight success on the outside is the result of consistent, forward action. Don’t be disappointed when there’s a length of time where you’re not yielding results. Don’t let that stop you or hold you back. At first, the results aren’t measurable, and you’ll feel like you’re making no progress with all of your effort. Believe me, I know the feeling. But it’s essential to have patience and keep at it because soon, the results will take off. And they will start rising exponentially.
What Sets You Apart is What You Decide To Do With the Cards You’ve Been Dealt
I still go through difficulties. ALL. THE. TIME. There’s no finish line you cross that exempts you from facing challenges. There will always be road bumps you face in your life and career. However, with time and experience, those road bumps often become easier to overcome. When you’ve done it once, you know you have the power to do it again. Life will throw unexpected curveballs, and it is often unfair to put it honestly. It’s what you do with those unexpected curveballs that matters the most. Even when you feel you’re at your lowest, I can almost guarantee there is a silver lining to be found.
I’ve been there, and I’m still there at times. I see you, and I hear you. I created DevelopHer not just to help women in tech stand out but also to build a community where we actively work to raise one another up. We need more of that in the world, especially in the tech industry. That’s where my DevelopHer Membership comes in, for more information on it you can check it out here. In the membership, I provide five weekly challenges and two group coaching calls each month to help you stay on track and get ahead in your career. Don’t let the challenges of today discourage you from the potential of tomorrow.
