Mental Decluttering, Impostor Syndrome, and Pioneers? Preparing for Pivot Points in Your Social Work Career

by Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW

     During social work education, we are introduced to multiple roles that can be fulfilled within the profession. As a result, you may be interested in pursuing diverse positions throughout your career life span. These career shifts can be referred to as pivot points. In other words, there is a feeling inside indicating that you have found meaning in your current responsibilities and reached a sense of fulfillment. However, you have found yourself ready to shift in a new direction. That direction may be exploring promotion at your current workplace, seeking new employment opportunities, or even engaging in an entrepreneurial adventure.  

     I have made several enjoyable “pivots” throughout my social work career, ranging from group home settings to academia. For each pivot point, I had to pause, consider my options, then begin to strategize movements toward an exciting vision. If you have reached a pivot point, here are a few words from experience to help you prepare for the shift.

Brain Dumping or Mental Decluttering

     One step in preparation is to engage in “brain dumping,” also referred to as a process of mental decluttering. When reaching a pivot point, there may be numerous thoughts and questions circling your mind. At times, this mental circling can feel overwhelming to the point of hindering your progression and questioning your ability to move forward. The activity of brain dumping can assist you in confronting the mental clutter by  organizing your thoughts and developing an initial action plan. To begin brain dumping:

• Document your thoughts and intentions in a list format. Documenting will transition your thoughts into an actionable to-do list.
• Rank each action item according to level of importance. The rankings will become the specific tasks to move you toward your goal.
• Determine task achievement dates. Remember, when setting achievement dates, allow yourself flexibility for unexpected life circumstances that may result in date modifications.

Self-Doubt and Impostor Syndrome

     A second step is to be aware of impostor syndrome. Originally referred to as “impostor phenomenon,” this is perceived as an experience of self-doubt (Clance & Imes, 1978). During pivot points and goal planning, impostor syndrome can result in feelings of inadequacy and unproductive self-talk, including, “I am not good enough. Why did I think I could do this?”

     If you notice impostor syndrome arising, take moments to evaluate your thoughts through introspective questions, such as, “What led me to begin questioning my abilities?” The aim of such questions is to identify and explore the source of the thoughts. For example, were they influenced by an outside source (e.g., someone criticizing your idea) or an internal source (e.g., lack/limited competency about a specific topic)? If you find the self-doubt is competency related, then pursue training, mentorship, and other forms of learning to build your knowledge base.

Inspiration and Motivation

     The third step is to engage in unique ways to gain motivation and be inspired as you move toward your vision. The NASW Foundation provides hundreds of remarkable biographies of social workers who engaged in groundbreaking endeavors ranging from confronting social injustice to laying the foundation for many practices we implement today. These individuals are referred to as NASW Social Work Pioneers^®, and they have built incredible and admirable legacies. For example, Dr. Alma T. Young had a significant focus on quality assurance and developed procedures for note taking in medical charts; Grace Coyle attained degrees in social work, economics, and sociology, and propelled the recognition of group work as an important component of social work practice. The first department of public welfare in the U.S. had a social worker as its Director, Leroy Halbert. Overall, great inspiration can be gained from the legacies of the NASW Social Work Pioneers^® as you initiate your own groundbreaking endeavors.

     Overall, when you reach a pivot point in your career, it can be an exciting new venture. The practices of decluttering your mind, being aware of impostor syndrome, and seeking insight from the legacies of pioneers can be sources of empowerment as you make shifts along your career journey.

Reference

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. (1978). The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy theory, Research and Practice, 15(3), 1-8.

Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Hardy is a social justice advocate, professional consultant, author, and mentor to new social workers and junior faculty members. She is the creator of The Social Work Lounge, a mentorship group facilitated via Facebook.