Scared as a Business Analyst? Here's your solution
What you can do!
In my previous post I wrote about why being a Business Analyst can be scary. You can read it here: link
In this post, I’ll talk about what can you do to make the scary feeling ‘go away’.
I’ll not give you shallow advice like talk to your colleagues or managers, take a deep breath or find something less intimidating to do.
Based on my experiences, my advice is going to be counterintuitive.
And here it goes:
If you get scared of being in a difficult project, deliberately put yourself in even more demanding projects!
Yes, ask your company, project managers to assign you to tougher projects – even more challenging compared to the one you are already on.
Put in practice what Richard Branson says:
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
Why is that?
A lot of times we tend to underestimate our potential. We have it in us to face the challenge head-on but the fear of failing engulfs us. But, once we are in such situation, we’ll somehow work hard to find the solution. It is that state of ‘sink or swim’ where we come alive - to go beyond the fear!
Putting yourselves in difficult projects, you may either encounter success or failure.
However, 2 outcomes will happen for sure:
1. Your pain/resistance threshold will increase.
2. You will get to experience what a tough project looks like.
If you put yourself in few tough projects now, 2-3 years down the line, similar projects will feel like a child’s play. You gain experience to look fear in its eye and take the challenge head-on.
The main way to be a good BA is via experience. The more challenging the situation, the more resilient and fear-accepting you become.
Happy New Year!
Love it! More great advice.