The Key to Your Next Breakthrough

Hint: It's in the in-between

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Kenna Hilburn & Brooke Rosolino
May 26, 2024

Career Advice: Embrace the Liminal Space

jm3 via Flickr

Liminal what?

Liminal space, derived from the Latin word "limen," meaning threshold, refers to the transitional phase between two stages. It's the in-between place where you have left something behind yet haven't fully entered into something new.

The Importance of Liminal Space in our Lives

Moments of transition are more than just periods of uncertainty; they are powerful opportunities for growth and transformation. Here's why embracing liminal space can be beneficial:

  1. Liminal spaces unlock creativity

  2. Transition periods challenge us to adapt and grow

  3. A time of reflection can lead to a clearer understanding of what we truly want

Navigating Liminal Spaces

Here’s a secret: most people blow through liminal spaces because, well, they can be downright scary. Want to know how to not be most people?

  1. Embrace Uncertainty: Accept that it's okay not to have all the answers. Embracing the unknown can reduce anxiety and open you up to new possibilities.

  2. Stay Curious: Use this time to explore and learn. Attend workshops, seek out new experiences, and be open to different perspectives.

  3. Seek Support: Don't navigate liminal spaces alone. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or professional networks. Sharing experiences and gaining insights from others can be invaluable.

  4. Set Small Goals: Break down your transition into manageable steps. Setting small, achievable goals can provide a sense of progress and momentum.

Let’s work together to normalize living in liminal spaces. They are a natural part of life whether it be relationships or work. We are curious to know…

Weekly Poll:

Are you currently in a liminal space?

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Couch Moment:

The Good Place, NBC via Giphy

Dear Work Therapy,


I’ve been in my current role for 10 years. I’m generally happy and fulfilled with the work but I have a long commute but I’m starting to wonder if 20 years from now I’ll regret not making a change for better work-life balance. How do I know if its time to find something new?


Regards,
Commuting in Calabasas

Dear Commuting in Calabasas,

It sounds like you are on the brink of liminal space 😉. We applaud you for thinking about the bigger picture what what really will bring you meaning in life. To help bring clarity, try doing an exercise called the Power of Knowing What You Want. It’s a simple but powerful tool and here’s a step by step guide:

1. Draw a circle on a piece of paper
2. Spend time brainstorming the things you want out of your life
3. Write those things inside the circle & things you don’t want on the outside
4. Go back to your circle daily or weekly and refine
5. Look for opportunities to pursue things inside your circle in your daily life

We use this exercise in our own lives and we shared all about it in a recent podcast episode. Keep us posted on how this works for you!

The Future is Bright,
Work Therapy

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Tell Me Somethin’good:

There’s been a lot of talk about commencement speeches this week. IYKYK.

Taylor Swift NYU Commencement Speech 2022

Given all the press and the time of year, we’d like to highlight 5 pieces of wisdom from speeches past handed down to graduates on their big day:

1. Embrace Purpose: "Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history." - Chadwick Boseman, Howard University, 2018

2. Seek Fulfillment, Not Just Success: "Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result." - Will Ferrell, University of Southern California, 2017

3. Pursue Holistic Growth: "The holy thing inside you really is that which causes you to seek it. You can't buy it, lease it, rent it, date it, or apply for it." - Anne Lamott, University of California, Berkeley, 2003​

4. Change Your Attitude to Change Reality: "You may not be able to alter reality, but you can alter your attitude towards it." - Margaret Atwood, University of Toronto, 1983​

5. Celebrate Adulthood: "If these are indeed the best years of your life, you do have my condolences." - Toni Morrison, Wellesley College, 2004

🎓 Our biggest congratulations to the class of 2024! Remember, Work Therapy is here to pep you up as you embark on the next great chapter of your lives. 👏

Resources Worth Your Click:

🎙️ Roadtrip season is upon us! Queue up the Family Trips Podcast hosted by Seth Myers and his brother where they relive unforgettable family trips.

🎵 Hit Me Hard and Soft, Billie Eilish. We’re listening.

🎧 Work Therapy Podcast: How to Build Trust with Your Team.

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