Hey friend! Ever felt like you're swimming against the current in your career? Well, grab a coffee and settle in, because we've got a story that might just inspire you to make some changes of your own.
Meet Vaishali Dialani, a customer experience professional from Dubai who's navigated the choppy waters of self-doubt and come out stronger. This isn't your typical success story – it's a real, honest look at what happens when you decide to shake things up and bet on yourself.
The Post-Covid Wake-Up Call: When Normal Just Wasn't Cutting It
Like many of us, Vaishali found herself at a crossroads after the pandemic hit. She had a stable job in Dubai, but something didn't feel right. "I was not ready for that normal," she told us, reflecting on when she realized her path needed a change.
This realization kicked off a search for something new in Dubai's CX scene. But with big dreams come big doubts. Vaishali found herself wondering if she could really make an impact in her field.
"I started looking at what everyone else was doing," Vaishali shared. "Content creation kind of emerged after COVID. You see people, a lot of mid-career professionals really grew during that stage."
As she observed these changes, Vaishali began to question herself. Could she win an award? Write blogs? Share her authentic self on social media without feeling judged? These questions swirled in her mind, pushing her towards a pivotal decision.
Curiosity: An Unexpected Ally Against Self-Doubt
Instead of letting doubts take over, Vaishali got curious. She started reaching out to people who inspired her, using LinkedIn as a tool for learning and connection.
"LinkedIn became my best friend," she shared, explaining how she used it not just for networking, but to really connect with people and learn from their experiences.
This approach didn't just broaden her horizons – it helped tackle her self-doubt. By talking with others, Vaishali realized a universal truth: everyone deals with uncertainty sometimes.
"When I learned about others, when I learned about their journeys, I was like, we all are going through imposter syndrome. Let's be honest," Vaishali reflected. This realization was liberating, allowing her to embrace her journey with all its uncertainties.
Meditation: Finding Clarity in Chaos
Vaishali's take on meditation is refreshingly simple. It became her tool for finding clarity when things got overwhelming.
"You don't have to do anything," Vaishali explained. Her description of the process – from restless beginnings to moments of calm – is something many of us can relate to.
"The first 20-25 minutes are just about your thoughts," she shared. "It sounds crazy. Even sitting with our own thoughts is so difficult."
Vaishali described how her mind would initially race from one thought to another, from Dubai to London to New York, worrying about the future and stressing about the past. But she learned to let these thoughts pass without getting caught up in them.
Her tip? Focus on your "third eye" to center your thoughts. It might sound unusual, but for Vaishali, it works. "When you focus here, you are allowing yourself to centralize yourself and position it in a way where your mind knows which direction it's heading towards," she explained.
The Big Leap: Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Here's where Vaishali's story takes an interesting turn. She decided to leave her stable job for a contractor role that offered more flexibility. It was a bold move, but not an impulsive one.
"I was looking for a remote job for very long, but in the Middle East, it's almost next to impossible to find anything that's remote because of the dynamic and nature of business over here," Vaishali explained.
It took nearly two years of consideration before she made the change. "I was on a hunt for almost two years and nobody actually knows about it. I would constantly just talk to people, really put myself out there."
The payoff? Not only did her career benefit, but she also got to spend more time with family and travel – reminding us that sometimes, the best opportunities lie just outside our comfort zones.
Vision Boards: Turning Ideas into Reality
Vaishali's approach to goal-setting is both practical and inspiring. Instead of creating a board of random aspirational images, she got specific with her goals.
"Does it align with the purpose of my future?" she asked herself, encouraging a thoughtful approach to visualizing success.
Vaishali emphasized the importance of being realistic with vision boards. "Sometimes we have these unrealistic things on our vision board that you're not going to make possible. And then you look at it and you're more demotivated," she cautioned.
The result? Two years later, Vaishali found that 5 to 6 of her goals had actually materialized. This success underscores the power of clear, intentional goal-setting combined with consistent effort.
Vaishali's Motto: Faith in the Journey
Vaishali's guiding principle? "Fly with full faith in whatever you do." It's not just a saying – it's tattooed on her arm as a constant reminder.
Her story shows that while hard work is crucial, having faith in yourself and your journey is equally important. "It's continue doing your hard work and believe that the universe or the higher power is taking care of you in anything, in every phase of your life," Vaishali explained.
This balance between effort and trust became a cornerstone of Vaishali's approach to both personal and professional growth.
Lessons We Can All Learn
So, what can we take away from Vaishali's experience?
1. It's okay to question your current situation if it's not fulfilling.
2. Curiosity can be a powerful tool against self-doubt.
3. Meditation doesn't have to be complicated to be effective.
4. Taking calculated risks can lead to personal and professional growth.
5. Vision boards can work if approached with intention and realism.
6. Success is a journey – embrace the process.
7. Balance hard work with faith in yourself and your path.
In a world always chasing quick success, Vaishali's story reminds us that true growth takes time. It's about having the courage to dream, the resilience to face challenges, and the wisdom to appreciate the journey.
Next time you're feeling stuck, remember Vaishali's journey. Take a moment, get curious about your options, and consider taking that first step towards change. You might surprise yourself with where it leads.
Want to hear more stories like Vaishali's? Tune into our podcast for more insights and inspiration to help you navigate your own path to success. We've got a lineup of guests who, like Vaishali, have faced their fears, embraced change, and come out stronger on the other side.
Remember, every big change starts with a single step. What will yours be? Whether it's starting a meditation practice, reaching out to someone you admire, or finally putting together that vision board, the power to shape your future is in your hands.
So, take a deep breath, channel some of that Vaishali energy, and get ready to write the next chapter of your own success story. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be the one inspiring others with your journey of growth and transformation.
