🙃 Keep finding yourself in the same undesirable situation? How to break the cycle.

Wondering why when you try to escape a bad job situation, you find yourself trapped in the same situation somewhere else?  

This is similar to leaving a bad relationship and discovering you're in yet another bad relationship.  

“If You Keep Carrying Old Bricks, You'll End Up Building the Same House.” 

As humans, none of us are strangers to carrying burdens from your past, whether it be in the form of emotional scars, grudges, or limiting beliefs. 

But just as a house built with old bricks will resemble the previous structure, your life and career, when constructed on the basis of your old bricks, will end up mirroring your past. 

Yes, your past has shaped you. But the good news is, it has not defined you. You get to define you. There is hope for you to break the cycle, leave the old bricks behind and build the house you really want.  

How? 

Here are three ways to “build your new house” based on what you truly want:

1. Clarify Your Vision, Core Values and Boundaries

Before your job search, articulate your ideal vision, values and non-negotiables.   For example, if work-life balance is a priority, set clear boundaries around your time. Making this known early not only protects you but signals to others what to expect. This foundational step helps you stay aligned with what matters to you rather than adapting to someone else's expectations.

2. Define Success on Your Terms

Recognize that your career path doesn't need to fit conventional standards. Success can be defined by aspects that bring fulfillment—like growth, meaningful connections, or positive impact—over titles or salary alone. Define what a meaningful career looks like for you, then pursue roles that reflect that vision.

3. Engage in Continuous Self-Reflection

Make time for regular check-ins to assess whether your role aligns with your goals. Just as a well-built house needs maintenance, your career requires upkeep. Take stock of what you're enjoying, where you feel drained, and make adjustments as needed. This habit ensures that you're steering your career in the right direction and not slipping into old patterns.

By focusing on the above, you'll start to leave those “old bricks” behind and construct a career path that genuinely aligns with who you are today.  

It won't be easy, so I strongly recommend having an accountability partner to meet with regularly to help you course correct when you begin to carry the old bricks instead of new ones. You have a 95% greater chance of creating what you want with this level of support.  

If you want a professional to walk with you and hold you accountable, I'd love to be your guide! Book your clarity call here: https://calendly.com/lauramcgillcoaching/45-60-minute-coaching-session