Self-doubt comes with the finding-your-passion territory. You are searching for work you care about because you have changed internally, and with no external signals to people that things are different now, it is natural to feel a little unsteady.

If you are surrounded by friends and loved ones that vigorously support you in finding a job you will love, consider yourself lucky and take advantage of it! Share your dreams and doubts to give them the opportunity to cheer you on or bring you down to earth, as needed.

If you are not surrounded by a band-stand full of supporters, which is more likely the case, you may feel a little isolated and uncomfortable putting in the work to find a job you love.  When you do take the risk of exposing the brand new thoughts and ideas you’re having, they may be swatted down like flies. Ouch.

There is a solution for finding the support you need today. Instead of befriending hoards of new people, you can recruit your Jedi Council.

High Council of Jedi Knights

It is very important for you to feel supported in your search because you will arrive to where you want to go more painlessly and much faster.  You are more likely to create the connections you need in a new field, to have the courage to investigate your interests and to tame your irrational self-doubt when it’s rearing its ugly head.

Find a strong group of supporters in the annals of history, in popular culture or in your own community to be your personal Jedi Council, a term and concept coined by friend and mentor, Pam Slim.  Here’s how to choose who is worthy:

• Inspire Admiration. Who have you always deeply admired and felt inspired by? For example, I’ve always had a thing for the Barefoot Contessa, a.k.a. Ina Garten, a cookbook author who also hosts a TV show.  She worked on the Hill creating the nuclear energy budget until her passion for food lead her to buy a specialty foods store in the Hamptons. That was 30 years ago – now she and her husband have homes in NYC, Paris and the Hamptons.  They are both extremely successful, work part-time and enjoy careers they are passionate about.
• Inspire Excitement. Notice the kind of people in the world who get you really excited.  Are they authors, painters, musicians, designers, computer programmers, spiritual figures?  This is another place to look for your Jedis.
• Ask: Do they use their powers for good? Someone can be brilliant, charismatic and accomplished, but how are they using their life? (In Star Wars terms, do they lean towards the dark side or the light side of the Force?)
• Kindred Sprits. Who has faced a similar challenge and moved through it with success?
• Good “Coaches.” Who would be gentle and loving while still pushing you to live up to your highest potential in the field you truly care about?

When you create your list of these highly productive, creative and accomplished people, find their pictures online and print them out.  Artfully put them together where you can see you Jedi Council supporting you and primed to give you feedback when you need it.

These are real, live human beings who faced the same fear and doubt as you, but moved forward anyway.

The next time you are in the throws of self-doubt, regretting that you can’t make yourself like the work you’re in or do something more conventional, or nearly in tears with frustration over a goal in your search, reach out to your Jedi Council for advice and support.

Be comforted by the Jedi recruits.  May the force be with you.

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