Chartering your own journey outside the comfort zone

Breaking free from the ‘Doubt Train’ after leaving my job

Is anyone else feeling the nudge to step outside their comfort zone?

The job I left last year was very comfortable.

It also had great perks, like an overseas retreat every two years, cellphone and phone plan, complete autonomy, flexi-working and great colleagues.

As uncomfortable as it was to leave my job, I’m still so so glad I followed my gut.

However, if I’m being completely honest, sometimes I miss the structure and predictability of having a good job and steady salary.

It helped me feel like I had purpose and that I was a productive member of society.

I have worked since I was teenager. Right through high school and university. The only break was when I raised our four children. Even then, I volunteered at the early childhood parent-cooperative - teaching, supervising, mentoring, taking courses.

This chapter right now, feels odd and unfamiliar.

Some days I feel super pumped and aligned and some days I feel adrift and confused.

It reminded of a piece of writing I did a while ago, I feel like today is the day to share it to help me and perhaps help you too.

The Doubt Train

The “Doubt Train” pulls into the station often. In fact, it arrives regularly.

You have a choice to hop on the train or not; it’s up to you.

If you do get on, it will take you around twists and turns, never really reaching any destination.

You can get off at any time, but often we get so comfortable that we stay on without realising it, going round and round.

The “Doubt Train” has large windows.

You get a great view of others, so you can compare yourself.

You get a great view of your flaws, so you can stay small and safe.

You get a great view of your other obligations, so you can use the excuse that you don’t have enough time.

You get a great view of the many different tracks you can take, so you become confused and scared of going down the wrong track.

However, at the very moment of frustration and despair, you quickly jump off the “Doubt Train”.

You look at the many tracks stretched out before you, and as hard as you try, you can’t quite see where the tracks lead.

You decide to bravely follow one of the tracks, slowly putting one foot in front of the other, not really knowing where you’re going or how long it will take.

As you start to move forward, you begin to feel lighter.

Then, in the quiet moments, you hear the whisperings, “everything you need is inside of you, it’s been there all along.”

So, don’t stop, keep moving forward, and whatever you do, don’t get back on the “Doubt Train”!