Written by: Liu Liu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When I left China over 24 years ago, I left behind a respected job at a university. I lived and worked in Thailand for a year, then moved to the UK where my wife is from. At the beginning of this transition period, I felt lost. I feel I lost “who I am” with the job I loved in China. I didn’t know where I was going. But that feeling of swimming at sea didn’t last long. I soon centered myself and gave myself the task of building a new future in this country.
As I was wondering who I am at the beginning of the transition, I realized that who I am is not defined by what I do. Instead, it is demonstrated through what I do, small or big, whatever the task at hand. I started working in an English pub and hotel, pulling pints of beer and pouring other drinks for the customers. It was a huge drop from Foreign Affairs Secretary at a university to a bartender; it is also a stiff learning curve to remember all the different types of drinks and regular customers' preferences, but I did it with gratitude and professionalism because this is who I am.
Three months later, I had a breakthrough, I had a job, temporarily as the post-room assistant in the organization where I am still working. Who I am as a diligent worker soon got me noticed in the organization. Delivering posts around the building also gave me a unique opportunity to observe and understand how the organization works, what each person’s job is, and how they fit together. One day, I said to myself, “If one day I were to leave this organization, I am not going to leave as the post-room assistant.” These are not just empty words. I had a plan of who I wanted to be and broadly mapped out a career path and put it into action. Fast forwarding the story, I studied for 16 years while working full time, gaining a BA(Hon) in International Studies, and an MSc in Development Management. Now I am managing a team working in six regions globally. I am also trained as a coach helping others find their own path to success.
Now looking back, there are two things that gave me a new life in England, identity and mindset. These words seem very big and abstract, but it is not so in real life. It is basically how you see and understand yourself and what your outlook on life is. The relationship between identity and mindset is deeply interconnected. Your identity, or how you perceive yourself, can significantly influence your mindset, and vice versa.
Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi often emphasize the power of beliefs and perceptions in shaping our reality. They believe that our identity – the way we see ourselves and the labels we attach to ourselves – can either limit us or empower us.
For instance, if you identify yourself as a "failure" or "unlucky," this becomes a part of your self-concept and can lead to a fixed mindset, where you believe that your abilities are static and cannot be changed. This can limit your potential and hinder your growth.
On the other hand, if you identify yourself as a "learner" or "growth-oriented," this can foster a growth mindset, where you believe that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work. This can empower you to overcome challenges, learn from your mistakes, and continuously strive for improvement. Your mindset determines your identity. In the context of moving into a new country, a fixed mindset often considers situations as either black or white. For example, my English is not good, I can’t find the ideal job I want, and they just don’t know what I am capable of back in my country. This mindset soon builds walls inside your head, and your identity is confined within these walls. With a growth mindset, the same challenges are viewed as adventures that consist of finding the solutions. How can I improve my English? Going to classes, watching soap operas to get used to the local accents, or going out to socialize with the locals. I can’t find the “ideal job” I want right now, but I can work put a plan and get experience towards it. My qualifications are not recognized in this country, let me find out how I can study and gain equivalent qualifications that allow me to do the same job I like. A growth mindset builds up and expands your identity. It takes you on a journey of adventure and new opportunities you might not even dream of. Your identity and mindset are not fixed – they can be shaped and reshaped by your thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. By understanding this, you can take control of your self-concept and mindset, and steer your life in the direction you desire. However, what kind of mindset and identity you choose to have is a decision only you can make.
Here are some pieces of advice for immigrants on identity and mindset to help them succeed in their new countries
Embrace Change: Moving to a new country is a significant change, and it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Embrace this change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Remember, it's okay to feel uncomfortable – it's a sign that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and growing.
Adopt a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work. This view creates a love of learning and resilience, which are essential for great accomplishment. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.
Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, view them as stepping stones towards your goals. This shift in perspective can make a big difference in how you navigate your journey.
Invest in Personal Development: Continuous learning and development are key to success in any field. Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills, improve your language proficiency, and understand your new environment better.
Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is a powerful tool. Believe in your abilities, your potential, and your dreams. You have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Build a Supportive Network: Connect with people who can support and guide you in your journey – this could be other immigrants, mentors, or professionals in your field. Building a strong network can provide you with valuable advice, opportunities, and emotional support.
Maintain Your Cultural Identity: While it's important to adapt to your new environment, it's equally important to maintain your cultural identity. Your culture, traditions, and experiences are a big part of who you are. They enrich your perspective and make you unique.
Different advice for men and women
While the core principles of identity and mindset apply to everyone, there can be unique challenges and opportunities experienced by men and women due to societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal circumstances. Here are some additional pieces of advice tailored for men and women immigrants:
For men
Embrace Vulnerability: Societal expectations often pressure men to appear strong and unemotional. However, it's important to understand that expressing emotions and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Embrace vulnerability and don't hesitate to seek support when needed.
Redefine Success: Success can often be narrowly defined in terms of career achievement or financial status. Remember that success is personal and multifaceted – it can include personal growth, family well-being, contribution to the community, and more.
Balance Work and Life: Men often feel the pressure to provide for their families, which can lead to overworking. Strive for a balance between work and personal life. Time spent on self-care, family, and hobbies is equally important.
Engage in Community: Building connections with others can provide a sense of belonging and support. Engage with local communities, join social groups, and participate in community events.
For women
Empower Yourself: Women, especially those from traditional cultures, may face gender-specific barriers. Empower yourself with education, skills, and self-confidence. Believe in your abilities and don't let stereotypes limit your potential.
Seek Supportive Networks: Connect with other immigrant women who can relate to your experiences. Women's support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and build friendships.
Advocate for Yourself: Women often face challenges in advocating for themselves, especially in a new environment. Learn to assert your needs, rights, and boundaries. Don't hesitate to speak up in personal and professional settings.
Celebrate Your Achievements: Women often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, and their achievements can go unnoticed. Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your achievements, and keep moving forward. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself, believe in your abilities, and keep striving for your goals. You have what it takes to succeed!
Also, check out this related Brainz article:
3 Stories Of Immigrants Challenging The Norms To Reinvent Their Careers And Maximize Their Impact By: Hala Dagher Chibani, Executive Contributor
The Resilient African Immigrant By: Ajabeyang Amin, Executive Contributor
Liu Liu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Liu Liu is a coach and manager with decades of experience, as a Cross-Cultural Intelligence Coach who specializes in helping international organizations and businesses to improve communications and cooperation among staff for better individual and team performance. He coaches managers and leaders working in a cross-cultural context to build trust, communicate effectively, and deliver results. He also coaches people on management, leadership, and career development. He is someone who helps you to imagine a greater possibility for yourself and supports you in achieving it.
As a senior manager in an international relief and development organization, he has worked with people in over 30 countries over his two-decades-long career. He uses a coaching approach to manage cross-country teams and complex programs to deliver results and impacts.
He is also an experienced trainer and facilitator who has delivered training on management-related and other subjects in over 30 countries.
With a cross-country marriage, developing a career in a second country, and working in an organization that has a reach of 50 countries, Liu Liu understands the importance and pitfalls of working cross-culturally and developing a career in an unfamiliar environment.
Liu Liu is an Associated Certified Coach(ACC), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine.
He holds a BA(Hon) in International Studies and an MSc in Development Management.
