Ever thought "this is the best" to...

... "What have I gotten myself into?" overnight?

That was me soon after I was promoted to partnership.

I went from star associate (who never lacked work and even had business of my own) to scraping for hours worried I would be the next cut.

My experience was a bit extreme (I was a finance attorney in the midst of a financial crisis that brought the type of work I did to a complete standstill).

But I’ve known many in this position…

…You get that long-coveted promotion only to find out managing other people isn’t on your list of favorite things - or your strong suit (note: it isn’t for most people).

…You work hard to build your own business, only to find that the hours required to keep it going aren't what you want for the long-haul.

…You jump to a new company - with a fancy new title and nice bump in pay - only to realize this new role is a complete misfit for your skills and strengths.

It’s easy to focus on the positive impact of a goal while ignoring the downside or mismatch.

That’s what the brain does.

How do you counteract this, Friend?

Remember that what got you to this point isn’t going to be the only thing you’ll need to succeed in this new venture/position.

Promotions and new places will stretch you (because they are supposed to).

Which is actually a good thing (wouldn't you get bored otherwise?) so long as you go in with your eyes wide open, willing and able to stretch yourself in this way.

But also, be more intentional about the downsides ahead of time.

• What are the differences?

• What will be required of you?

• What might be hard for you?

That way, you’re less likely to take on a goal that could be a mistake and more likely to enjoy your new challenge.

XO,

Heather

P.S. This type of thinking is incredibly common when lawyers first get promoted to partnership because so much changes (some of which you might be surprised by).

Which is why I’m dishing on what to expect once you become a partner here.