In 2019 I made a major shift in my career. This shift was to move from the role of an Operation Executive to the role of a Sales/Marketing Executive. In addition, this role was in an organization that has been in perpetual startup mode for years.
So, I was excited about the new challenge to build a marketing and sales department from scratch, this challenge did prove to rock me mentally. I ran head-on into some serious self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and maybe a little panic. All things considered, I was doing well in that we were landing new business, but the company leader tended to be a person that would spend 45 minutes on one sentence in copy that he didn’t understand or if there was some sort of KPI in another department off, then entire meeting with other leaders or our 1 on 1 would be consumed by this ‘squirrel’ as we tended to label the jumping on one distraction.
These squirrel phenomena became a major stressor for everyone and I found myself dreading the animal along with everyone else. We would be discussing a project with a client and then out of no-where, in a hedge or tree line somewhere close to left field, some squirrel would jump out and run on too the metaphorical field of play, stopping the game, and thus everyone on the meeting was forced to satisfy this critter before moving on…
So, new to my role, and sometimes on the defensive and trying to anticipate the next ‘squirrel’ that may be waiting to jump out in my department, I found myself laying on the couch one day questioning my career choices and my capabilities. Maybe I was having a crisis of confidence or a small panic attack, but I knew something had to change.
I often listen to podcasts and came across one featuring Dan Harris. He had written a book titled ‘10% Happier’ and his story as relayed on the podcast I was listening to at the time about his panic attack on live TV and how he was able to use meditation to find a better way to handle stress and push himself professionally. His experience and message spoke to me. I immediately bought the book and read it in a few days and the practical use of meditation was what I needed.
Eventually, I tried the app Headspace due to the good reviews and its friendly and non-threatening presentation. I loved the intro classes and then subscribed to the service and have ever since. I meditate regularly, clear my mind, and find peace in being present in the moment, in the breath, and practice.
To me, the benefits have been wonderful and to know that I have a quiet place, in my mind, where I can find that quiet confidence is truly a superpower.
So thanks Dan and the people at Headspace!
Jason A. Belt 