Have you ever found yourself wondering, Is this really it?
You’ve worked hard, followed the traditional path, and built a career you once dreamed of… but something inside is telling you there’s more. Maybe you feel stuck, uninspired, or simply unsure if you’re still on the right path. If that resonates, you’re not alone—and this is exactly the kind of conversation I had with Kate Kayaian in our latest podcast episode.
Kate is a former professional cellist turned career and mindset coach for artists, and her new book, Beyond Potential, is all about helping creatives reassess, redefine, and reignite their careers.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just for musicians looking for a major career change. It’s for anyone who feels that pull toward something more but isn’t sure how to take the next step.
Let’s break down some of the powerful ideas we explored.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves (And Why They Hold Us Back)
One of the most powerful concepts Kate talks about is the idea of old stories—those internalized beliefs we carry from childhood, past experiences, or societal expectations.
Think about it: How many times have you told yourself something like I’m just not good at sight-reading or I’m too old to make a change? These stories aren’t necessarily true anymore (if they ever were!), but they shape the decisions we make and the paths we follow.
Kate shared a story about how she used to believe that as a freelancer, she had to stay in her lane and not pursue solo or chamber music opportunities. That belief wasn’t based on reality—it was just something she had absorbed over time. When she let go of that story, her career opened up in ways she never imagined.
Takeaway: Identify one “old story” that’s shaping your career decisions. Ask yourself: Is this still true? Who would I be without this belief?
Reassessing Your Path: It’s Not About Throwing Everything Away
One of the biggest misconceptions about career pivots or reassessing your path is that it means starting over. Kate emphasized that it’s not about quitting everything and walking away—it’s about making conscious choices to add, shift, or expand.
Maybe you love performing, but you also have a passion for teaching. Maybe you want to create your own festival, launch a new program, or explore a completely different avenue alongside your music career. It’s about building a life that fully aligns with your values, rather than blindly following the path you set for yourself years ago.
Takeaway: If you could add one new element to your career—without overhauling everything—what would it be?
From “No, Because…” to “Yes, If…” – A Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
One of my favorite moments from our conversation was when Kate introduced the idea of shifting from a no, because mindset to a yes, if mindset.
I LOVE THIS ONE!
So often, we immediately shut down our own ideas: I’d love to take a month off to travel, but I can’t because I have too many responsibilities. I’d love to start my own ensemble, but I can’t because I don’t have the time or funding.
Instead, try flipping the script: Yes, I could take a month off—if I plan ahead and set up my work to accommodate it. Yes, I could start my own ensemble—if I find creative funding sources or start small with one performance.
It’s a small shift, but it creates possibility where there used to be a dead end.
Takeaway: What’s one thing you’ve been telling yourself you “can’t” do? Reframe it into a “Yes, if…” statement and see what options open up.
The “And Then What?” Exercise – Finding Your True Path
Sometimes, the problem isn’t knowing we want something different—it’s knowing what that is. Kate shared an incredible exercise for getting unstuck: the And Then What? method.
Here’s how it works:
Identify something you think you might want to do.
Imagine yourself doing it—does it feel right? Or is something missing?
If something feels off, ask yourself, And then what? What would need to change to make it feel aligned?
Keep repeating the process until you land on something that feels like you.
This exercise helps you refine your vision without getting overwhelmed. You don’t have to have the final answer right away—just the next step.
Takeaway: If you’re feeling stuck, try this exercise. Start with one thing you’re drawn to, and keep asking, “And then what?” until you get clarity.
What Would Your Future Self Say to You?
One of the most thought-provoking ideas in Beyond Potential is the concept of meeting your Beyond Potential Self—the version of you that has fully stepped into your ideal life and career.
Imagine meeting that person. What would they say to you? Would they tell you to stop waiting? To trust yourself more? To stop following the rules you think you should follow and instead carve out the life that truly excites you?
Kate shared a moment where she realized that if she met her ideal future self, she’d feel envious—because she hadn’t started taking the steps to become that person yet. That realization changed everything.
Takeaway: Picture yourself in the future, living your dream career and life. What advice would that version of you give you today?
What’s Next?
If this conversation sparked something in you, Beyond Potential is a book you don’t want to miss. Kate breaks down these ideas with exercises, thought-provoking insights, and real-world strategies to help you reassess, redefine, and reignite your career.
Listen to the full episode here: www.mindoverfinger.com/podcast Or watch here: www.youtube.com/@mindoverfinger Grab Kate’s book, Beyond Potential, here: https://amzn.to/417CqpM
And if you’re ready for deeper support in navigating your own artistic path, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call with me, and let’s map out your next steps toward a fulfilling, purpose-driven career. www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching
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