What do you do when you SEE that you CAN´T SEE?
As I progress with the open water swimming journey into autumn, I often set out during heavy morning fog, my only orientation being the blurred shore and the orange floater of my swim buddies. This experience lets me feel the same anxiety my coachees express when they ask, “What are the next steps in my career?” I know how it feels when visibility is low, the cold water shocks your body, and you’re left feeling unsettled and uncertain. Staying calm, finding my inner orientation, and trusting my strokes forward are what allows me to find my way.
In both the lake and our careers, clarity doesn’t always come immediately. Often, we’re surrounded by “fog”—whether it’s uncertainty about our next steps, doubt about our abilities, or a changing landscape around us.
Here are a few tips from my open-water swimming adventure that I learnt so far and are applicable to navigating unclear career options:
💡Stay Present: In cold, foggy water, there’s no room for distraction. Similarly, in career transitions, staying grounded and focused on the now rather than the fear of what’s next—can open up the clarity you seek.
💡Trust Your Instincts: Without a clear view, I rely on my inner compass to guide me. In career decisions, we have to learn to trust ourselves, leaning into our values and strengths as a guide when the next step isn’t fully visible. Here you can greatly benefit from working with an experienced coach who will help you ‘read and understand’ your inside better.
💡One Stroke at a Time: Big goals can feel overwhelming. Focus on your “next stroke”—one small, achievable step forward. For some inspiration on the power of small steps, find me on Instagram under @aqua_avengers3
💡Find Stillness in Discomfort: Cold water and fog are uncomfortable, don´t fight but embrace the discomfort in your career journey—it’s surely a sign that you’re growing, moving towards your next step.
Whether in a foggy lake or a foggy career moment patience, presence an trusting your own path forward will help you find the next destination.