I have been there, and it can be painful

When I pivoted in my career, it didn’t all fall into place right away.

I thought that having a coaching certification and 100+ hours of practice meant I would hit the ground running. But in reality, it felt so messy

I made the mistake of thinking theory would automatically turn into results. What I have realized, is that I was scared.

Scared because I am an introvert : how on earth was I supposed to network? Scared because I have never seen myself as a natural at sales : the idea of pitching or cold-calling made me cringe.

And even though I’m a coach… yes, I still have to deal with limiting beliefs!

So, what did I do?

I asked for support. I got coached. And I haven’t stopped since.

Week after week, I showed up to unpack the labels I had stuck to myself:

“Too quiet. Too reserved. Not business-minded enough.”

Slowly but steadily , I learnt to rewire my brain to move forward.

I started showing up on social media.

I pitched collaborations to institutions.

I ran webinars and even spoke at conferences.

And yes : I did all of that while still doubting myself from time to time…

 But hold on, let’s don’t talk about me: This article is about you!

If you’re at a turning point in your career - or launching something new-  

Here are 7 common mistakes I see very often

Let’s dive in. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. Being afraid to fail

❌ What the mistake is: Letting fear of failure stop you before you even start. Fear keeps you stuck and blocks your growth.

✅ How to avoid it: Reframe  Reframe. Reframe

Accept that failure is part of the learning process. Every setback is a step forward if you reflect and adjust. Courage grows through action.

2. Waiting to be 100% ready

❌ What the mistake is: Believing you need to feel fully confident, skilled, or qualified before making a move.

✅ How to avoid it: Start before you feel ready. Progress builds confidence. Test the waters with small steps: reach out, research, apply. Action creates courage and confidence

3. Jumping without a clear “why”

❌ What the mistake is: Changing careers out of frustration or burnout, without a deeper understanding of what you’re moving towards.

✅ How to avoid it: Clarify your values, strengths, and vision. Journal, take assessments, ask: What energizes me? What impact do I want to make? Your "why" should always be your compass. – at any stage of your business btw.

4. Rushing the process

❌ What the mistake is: Making fast decisions without proper exploration or preparation.

✅ How to avoid it: Take the time to explore. Conduct informational interviews, try side projects, create a realistic transition plan. A slow pivot is often a smart one.

5. Trying to do it alone

❌ What the mistake is: Thinking you need to figure it all out by yourself. When you isolate, self-doubt tends to grow louder

✅ How to avoid it: Surround yourself with support. A coach, a mentor, or simply a peer group can make all the difference. Don’t underestimate the power of a strong network : people who cheer you on, challenge your thinking, and remind you that you are not alone in this. Talking things through opens new perspectives and keeps your momentum going.

6. Ignoring your past experience

❌ What the mistake is: Thinking your past career doesn’t count or apply anymore.

✅ How to avoid it: See your past as a strength. Identify transferable skills, reframe your story, and use it to stand out in your new direction. Reinvention means: building on what already exists.

7. Neglecting financial planning

❌ What the mistake is: Leaping without a safety net can add unnecessary pressure and stress.

✅ How to avoid it: Create a transition budget. Save up, cut expenses, and consider part-time work or freelancing. The goal is to move strategically, not out of desperation.

Changing careers is not easy , I have been there.

But every step, every mistake, is part of your growth.

My advice?

Be kind to yourself, keep learning, and remember: you’re way more capable than you think.

You’ve got this!

And if you feel like talking, I’m just a discovery call away : a free 60-minute session to unpack what’s on your mind and see together if I’m the right person to support you.

Book your appointment here:

https://calendly.com/steph-laurent-coaching/30min?month=2025-05

Trust yourself

Steph.