jutheblog

Starting something new can be incredibly overwhelming.

You are standing there, clueless about where to start, questioning if it is even the right call, and paralyzed by many unknown factors.

Take buying a house, for example. There are so many things to consider with that lifetime decision. Where is the perfect spot? How is the infrastructure? How on earth am I going to finance this thing? What credit should I even consider? And is it even the right time to buy a house?

Or perhaps you are planning the addition of a second child to your family. Questions flood in again: How do we manage two kids without family nearby? What impact will this have on our firstborn? Do we need a larger apartment? The list goes on.

Even more minor decisions, like picking up a new hobby without prior experience, can feel like a mountain to climb.

In my own life, I have faced some major life decisions, such as our move from Germany to Dubai and choosing to have our baby abroad without family support. Another pivotal moment was in 2019 when I decided to leave my corporate job as an IT consultant. After three years, I felt the learning curve went down, and the desire to venture into something completely different, pushing beyond my comfort zone while still in my twenties, became irresistible.

With a product idea in mind, I decided to start my own Amazon online shop. I had no experience in this field, so doubts and anxieties naturally appeared. How do I set up the shop? Where to manufacture the product? How to import the products? I did not know anyone who had done anything like this, which intensified the fear of the unknown.

Sharing my plans with family, friends, and coworkers resulted in a mix of opinions, most leaning towards doubt. Questions like, “Are you sure you want to leave your secure job?” and “What if your business doesn’t work out?” echoed in my ears, making me second-guess myself.

Seeking support, I found entrepreneur and Amazon Seller meetups. Attending those events was scary initially, as I did not know anyone there. But the magic happened.

Surrounded by people who had walked the path I was about to tread, I received invaluable insights, tips, and guidance. Some were beginners like me, while others were experts. The information I gained from this network was more relevant and encouraging than the feedback from my immediate circle.

We often turn to family and close friends for advice on significant decisions. They know us best, and they (mostly) care. While their intentions are usually good, relying solely on this familiar circle can limit the quality of input. Their opinions often reflect their own experiences, a mixture of insecurities and concerns that may unconsciously discourage you.

Understanding who you are talking to about a specific decision is crucial. If, for example, you are considering a move to a new city, seeking advice from someone who has lived there or is familiar with the place makes more sense than consulting someone who has never left their hometown.

Similarly, if you plan to run a marathon, confiding in a friend who is not into regular sports or healthy living might not share helpful advice. It does not mean they are not a good friend; they are just not the right reference for that particular topic.

I still remember when I shared our decision to move from Munich to Dubai with family and close friends. Some of them assumed I would have zero rights in the UAE, that all women needed to be covered, and I would not be allowed to do anything freely. Where did those theories come from? Mostly media or half-knowledge.

So, I reached out to a friend who knew a German living in Dubai, got the contact, and had a chat. His insights were gold – not just assumptions, but real experiences of living there.

We humans tend to stay within a close-knit group of 3-5 people, creating a safe space. However, when facing new challenges or planning changes, getting perspectives from those who have already navigated similar paths becomes essential. Changes are uncomfortable at first, prompting many to remain in their comfort zones.

But how do we find these people? If your immediate circle is not the right contact for a specific topic, they likely know someone who is. Utilize those connections. If you are alone, seek out relevant groups, forums, or events to gather information.

When my family decided to move from Dubai to Zurich, we faced the challenge of not knowing anyone in the new city. Top worry? The crazy high living costs in Zurich – one of the priciest cities in the world.

By joining local Facebook groups and reaching out to existing residents, I gained valuable insights about the lifestyle there as a family. My husband tapped into his work contacts and got in touch with people already living in Zurich, and they gave us places to look for affordable houses. All that made our move a whole lot smoother.

Remember, if you are planning something new:

1. Know who you are talking to about your plan.
2. Seek the ‘right’ person to talk to, not just the familiar ones.
3. Embrace diverse inputs, not just the positive ones.
4. Surround yourself with people who have already done what you are planning to do.

Go ahead, take the leap. You might just become the inspiration for others to get on a similar journey.