Don’t think chartered status is beyond you – it isn’t, says Nikita Phillips, Candidate Support & Business Development Adviser, BTS.
When I initially considered taking the Advanced exams, I hesitated for months because I had convinced myself that I lacked the intelligence to pass them. Seeing others defer success on these exams only reinforced my doubts, making me think, “If they are having difficulty, then I definitely won’t make it.”
I find myself having this conversation with paraplanners nearly every week. They possess the expertise, the know-how, and the abilities required to achieve Chartered status. However, what they lack is self-belief, which is a vital piece of the puzzle.
What is self-belief?
Our beliefs are a product of our imagination. Throughout our lives, we gather ideas from various sources that shape our beliefs.
Self-belief refers to an individual’s confidence in their capability to accomplish tasks and reach their goals. The great thing about beliefs is that they are not permanent, and fortunately they are something we have the power to change.
Pen & Paper
The first thing I would recommend to anyone, is to write down your what you believe to be your self-limiting beliefs, on a notepad.
Now, hear me out…
Have you ever found yourself in a disagreement with someone, maybe a significant other, where you were absolutely convinced you were right, but as you voiced your thoughts, you started to realise that you might actually be mistaken? (even if you still refuse to admit it!).
Writing down your self-limiting beliefs and evaluating them, will allow you to use logic to dispel these beliefs.
For example – you may think “I am not smart enough to become Chartered” fine, you have this belief but where is your evidence? Have you even attempted an advanced exam? Or are you drawing conclusions based off other people’s experience?
The more I had this ‘argument’ with myself, the more I realised that I had no evidence to support this belief and actually, having this belief was hindering my career, so something needed to change.
It’s also important to take the time to understand why changing beliefs matters to you. Until your motivation to change outweighs your desire to stay the same, it’s difficult to make progress. Reflect on how a belief has impacted you in the past and consider the possibilities for your future if you make the change. Without a strong reason that resonates with you, any change won’t last long.
Changing perspectives
We talk a lot about the mindset piece at BTS because we know it makes a huge difference. If you think an exam is going to be really challenging, likelihood is, it will be. Whereas going into an exam with a positive mindset your experience will likely be a lot more enjoyable (if enjoyable is the right word).
Be open to challenging your self-limiting belief. Imagine a friend who holds this belief and you can’t believe they actually think this way. Present all the evidence that contradicts this belief. Demonstrate how harmful this belief has been. Every time you come up against defence, provide more reasons why it’s not true.
Also,imagine yourself in the future, after you have conquered this belief. Personally, I see myself on holiday, celebrating my Chartered success!
Next steps…
I say this all the time to our candidates, but sometimes you need to just start.
List all the exams you need to take, and simply get going – and, if you need to have a chat about what your pathway to chartered looks like, you know where we are!
I’ll leave you with a quote by Michael Jordan: “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.”
Bespoke Training Solutions have been supporting regulated exams for 20 years this year! Known as ‘the exam experts’ within the industry, BTS provide support for the CII regulated exams by way of study guides, e-learning resources, and workshops for the full R0 suite and many AF and J0 units.
Visit https://www.bespoketrainingsolutions.com and check out the brand-new Careers Zone for study plans, answers to exam FAQs and lots more to support your journey.
