Tips for Overcoming Challenges in an Architectural Career

Every unsuccessful designer I know believes dysfunction is a deal-breaker. Every successful designer I know sees dysfunction, rolls up their sleeves, and takes a long-term view of change. We all want to work on a team that has it all figured out. But few of those exist, and even fewer maintain that operation for long. Some designers find problems in solutions: - "This product team is broken" - "This design system is immature" - "These customers tolerate mediocrity" Others find leverage in problems: - "This product team values scrappiness" - "This design system is a starting point" - "These customers appreciate what's working" If you can't help a team disrupt dysfunction, how can you help a product disrupt a market? Disrupting dysfunction is hard. There are consequences: - Job security - Criticism - Being wrong But opting out entirely, save for a values or compensation mismatch, won't make you a better problem-solver. 3 tips for bullet-proofing your attitude in the face of pushing for meaningful change: 1. Find allies "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." No matter the ambition, going it alone gets lonely, and fast. Find those that share your beliefs and work together to lay the bricks. 2. Build bridges It's not enough to secure the wins. If you want to prove a better way, you have to be the cheerleader AND the architect. Send e-mails and Slack messages when big wins occur. Bridge those wins to the processes and people responsible. Bridge those wins with the team's mission. 3. Manage your intensity Change is a marathon. You're not often rewarded, or even certain your efforts are working, while you start the early work of creating the undercurrents. Don't wear yourself out in the first few months. Take on other initiatives and keep a pulse on the tiny victories that are only apparent to you for now. And temper your discouragement if all is for naught. It happens. This stuff is complex and messy. Remember that you'll learn more in you career from pursuing long-term change than you will from shopping for ideal work environments.

Throughout my career, I've encountered numerous challenges, and I want to share one of my earliest experiences with you. My very first contract was a metal building project, but I had zero knowledge about steel buildings at that time. I sought guidance from a consultant to put together the bids and handle the project. Surprisingly, I made a big mistake and ended up bidding for just two buildings instead of the 15 needed. Despite this setback, I learned a crucial lesson: failure is not always avoidable. When we venture into uncharted territories, mistakes are inevitable. But that doesn't mean failure should be feared or avoided at all costs. Instead, we can turn it into a stepping stone for growth. In my case, even though I expected a million-dollar profit, reality was different. Yet, I benchmarked my bid against industry standards, and while my initial estimate was lower, I managed to make a profit and avoid a loss. This experience taught me that taking calculated risks and being bold are essential for personal and professional development. I remember feeling terrified when I started my journey on YouTube, but I knew it was crucial for my growth. Facing our fears head-on is the only way to progress and reach new heights. Let's debunk some common misconceptions about failure: 1. Failure is not the enemy: Often, we try to avoid failure at all costs, but adversity is a key ingredient for success. Iconic creations like the Ferrari brand, the Empire State Building, and the Panama Canal had their share of challenges, but they persisted and succeeded. 2. Failure is not irreversible: Failure in business is normal and happens to the best of us. The important thing is to learn from it, adapt, and keep going. Remember, you only need to be right once to achieve success. 3. Failure is not stigmatized: Even the most successful individuals have faced failure at some point. Take LeBron James, for example, whose image shifted drastically after overcoming setbacks and achieving greatness. 4. Failure is not final: Failure only becomes permanent when we give up. Thomas Edison's famous quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of resilience needed to push through challenges. I recently came across an interview with Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the world. He shared a profound insight: he projected his life to the age of 80 and made decisions that would minimize future regrets. So, let's focus on pursuing opportunities, taking risks, and learning from every experience. Don't be afraid to bid on those ambitious contracts, make that important call, or deliver that game-changing presentation. The only regrets you'll have are the chances you didn't take. Embrace failure, learn from it, and let it fuel your journey to success. #failure #success #governmentcontracting #smallbusinesstips #entrepreneurship #governmentconsultant

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

In our professional journeys, failure and rejection are inevitable companions. But here's the empowering truth: how we respond to rejection can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. As I maneuver a slowdown in my business, I am learning to navigate the emotions mindfully, with resilience and a growth mindset. I remind myself that, "this too shall pass," that setbacks are not permanent labels but temporary moments in our journey and just like seasons come and go, business realities change too. Here are some self-compassion practices that have been helpful for me: 1. Pausing to breathe: Taking time to pause, step back and take a deep a breath is helping me bring spaciousness between experiencing the emotion and choosing (how) to respond. 2. Treating myself with kindness: I am making every effort to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I would extend to a friend in a similar predicament. Not only am I acknowledging all emotions without judgment, I am also reminding to feel and process these emotions, knowing that it's okay to experience disappointment. 3. Reframing failure as feedback: Acknowledging that this is not an end; it's a chance to gather valuable feedback. Instead of viewing it negatively, I am viewing it as an opportunity to learn, objectively analyzing what I could have done differently, and how I can improve moving forward. 4. Seeking support: I had to remind myself that I am not alone in facing these challenges. I have leaned on friends and mentors for support and reached out to my network to keep me in mind for collaboration opportunities. 5. Trusting the process: I have to admit that I am not fully there yet but I am reminding myself to trust the path I am on and that any and all experiences align with my journey. Embracing the wisdom of “this too shall pass” and acknowledging the impermanence of emotions is helping me ride the waves without getting carried away. I am curious how you embrace failure and rejection? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #embracingfailure #resilience #growthmindset #selfcompassion #thinkaloud

Early on, I struggled to deal with career setbacks and went on downward spirals. I eventually understood that setbacks were a normal part of everyone's career and build mental models to bounce back stronger and faster. A friend of mine who was having a great career at a top tier company suffered a setback and turned into a shell of themselves. Looking at their struggles motivated me to put together a talk on "Bouncing back from career setbacks". I talk about my own career setbacks. And share a framwork for dealing with career setbacks: 1. Self-Compassion 2. Radical Acceptance 3. Isolate Learnings 4. Develop Skill Growth Plan 5. Redefine Career Goals 6. Find Balanced Life 7. Social Comparison 8. Build Accountability & Support System If you are struggling with dealing with a career setback, take a listen. If someone you know is struggling with a career setback, please share it with them. https://lnkd.in/gXi-dPQg I have a lot of gratitude for my managers and coaches who supported me through those journeys. Thank You!