.jpg)
Written by Georgia Lee Arts
December 30, 2024
"The only constant in life is change," said the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Yet, as humans, we cling to the familiar—our routines, habits, and comfort zones—especially in our careers. What happens when your current skills no longer meet the demands of the future? Or when your inner potential whispers (or shouts), urging you to evolve? This is the Skills Gap, where you're called to level up—not just professionally but on the inside first.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Growth
Being in the "gap" can feel uncomfortable, even unsettling. Why? Because you're shedding the old version of yourself while the new, evolved you is still forming. It’s the space between—an undefined transitional state where growth begins but certainty feels distant.
You may doubt yourself. Fear might creep in. Questions arise:
What if I fail?
Am I too old to learn new skills?
Do I even know what I want anymore?
These doubts aren’t obstacles—they’re signposts. They signal that transformation is underway, that you're moving toward something bigger, bolder, and brighter.
Why It’s an Inside Job
When we think about "leveling up" professionally, we often focus on external factors: certifications, technical skills, promotions. But real transformation starts within. Without the mindset to embrace discomfort, the resilience to overcome setbacks, and the clarity to envision your next best self, no amount of external effort will stick. Becoming the next best version of your professional self means stepping into authenticity. It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about aligning with who you’re truly meant to be.
To bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go, you need to:
1. Embrace Discomfort
Growth never happens in your comfort zone. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, transformation can feel tight, messy, and even painful. Lean into it. Reframe discomfort as a sign you're on the right path.
2. Cultivate a Vision
Ask yourself: What does the next best version of me look like? What values, skills, and traits do they embody? Write it down. Visualize it daily. This mental image becomes your North Star.
3. Harness Flow State
Flow is that magical state where time disappears, and you're fully immersed in a meaningful challenge. To tap into flow, choose growth activities that are just beyond your current skill level but still achievable. Stretch, but don't snap.
4. Identify Your Gap Skills
What specific skills do you need to bridge the gap? Is it emotional intelligence? Leadership? Creative problem-solving? Research your industry trends, talk to mentors, and align your learning to where you want to grow.
5. Commit to Daily Growth Rituals
Your transformation is a journey, not a leap. Small, consistent actions compound over time. Start a growth journal, meditate, or dedicate 30 minutes daily to learning something new.
Creating Magic in the Gap
The gap isn’t just a void; it’s a creative playground. When you embrace it with curiosity and courage, you discover the magician within—the part of you capable of turning vision into reality. You can innovate, pivot, and recreate yourself in ways that feel almost alchemical.
Questions to Ignite Your Inner Magician:
What do I need to release to make space for my new self?
How can I make this transition playful, joyful, and exciting?
What if this uncomfortable growth period is the best thing to ever happen to me?
Ready to Level Up?
The skills gap isn’t just a career challenge, it’s an opportunity to become your next best self. But growth is an inside job. You have the power to bridge the gap, not just with new skills but with a new mindset, a new vision, and a renewed commitment to your dreams.
Take the next step today:
Get a copy of my book, Dream Journey: Breaking the Dream Barriers. ™ A Guide to Bridging Identity Gaps in Life and Career. Discover how to navigate the discomfort of change and harness the magic of growth to design the life—and career—you’ve always dreamed of. Click on this link to get a copy: Dream Journey, Breaking the Dream Barriers: A Guide to Bridging Identity Gaps in Life and Career: LEE ARTS, GEORGIA: 9798218534295: Amazon.com: Books
Let’s make this your transformation. You’re not just leveling up your career—you’re leveling up your life. The next best version of you is already waiting. Will you take the leap?
Georgia Lee Arts, known as The Gap Coach and founder of Elysian Dream™, is a seasoned career strategist and certified coach with 30 years of combined military and civilian expertise in leadership, training, and coaching. She is the author of Dream Journey: Breaking the Dream Barriers. A Guide to Bridging Identity Gaps in Life and Career.™
© 2023 Elysian Dream / All Rights Reserved
Comments