When do you know what you’re doing?
I should be able to do more by now.
I had recently started a new role. On paper, I should have been able to hit the ground running.
But I was struggling.
My head was full at the end of every day, swimming with how much I needed to to learn about our product and the organization I had just joined.
I felt two steps behind everyone around me. How do they know so much? Why is it all so easy for them?
Every time I’ve ever started a new role, even when I’ve stayed within the same organization, or even within the same team, I’ve experienced a version of this story.
I think I should be catching on more quickly, contributing more than I can in the early days. Wondering if I’m ever going to be able to do this new role well.
Even when those around me are patient, I find it hard to be patient with myself.
Have you ever felt this way?
Many of my clients experience this, too. Wondering if they’re catching on quick enough, if they’ll ever be able to keep up with their new colleagues. If they’re actually an imposter, not actually capable of doing the work at hand.
And in today’s job market, there’s the added stress of what might happen if one doesn’t contribute well enough early enough.
The good news is that we do, eventually, settle in.
Within a few weeks or months, we remember who does what, who knows what, and where to look for the information we need. Processes become clear, unspoken rules become understood, and we start becoming proficient in our new role. Eventually, we even become good or great at the work at hand.
But in the moment, that can be hard to see.
If you’re finding yourself in those early days of something new, unsure of whether you’re making any forward progress, try reflecting on these questions at the end of each day:
What did I learn today?
Initially, this list will often be quite long, as we’re learning about the role, company, people, and systems of our new world. Not only do we feel stronger when we realize how much more we now understand, but taking some time to reflect on what we’re learning helps with understanding and gives clarity on how to prioritize what we still want to explore.
Perhaps you’re deep diving a new product. In addition to learning how it works, are you getting a better sense for where it’s hard to navigate, areas where it may miss the mark for target users, or unsung features that could be made more valuable? Maybe you’ve learned about corporate rules and regulations from HR. What is similar or different to what you’ve seen in the past, and what would be useful to highlight to your team?
Who did I connect with today?
A new role usually includes new colleagues, customers, and leadership. Making note of not only the names of these new people but also their roles, responsibilities, personalities, and preferences can help you build stronger relationships and figure out how to navigate your new role more effectively.
Maybe you shadowed your boss in a staff meeting. What did you learn about how they respond to stress and what’s important to their boss and peers? Perhaps you sat in on a customer call. What pain points did they share, and where might you be able to set yourself up to be a valuable resource for them?
What did you do?
As the days and weeks progress, this list will get longer. But noticing even the small things we’re doing can help us see the momentum we’re already starting to make.
Perhaps it’s day one. Did you set up your computer, figure out your key logins, and create an outline of an initial stakeholder map? Maybe you sat in on a ton of meetings today. Have you been able to map out a few key processes your team is following and help your team remember a key stat shared the day before?
When you engage in this kind of reflection, you’re not only tracking progress, you’re building confidence and gaining clarity. By consistently acknowledging what you’re learning, who you’re connecting with, and what you’re actually accomplishing, you can identify areas for further focus, celebrate momentum, and ultimately, settle into the new role with a stronger sense of purpose and capability.
I’m curious, what helped you get momentum the last time you stepped into a new role?
Will you send me a message to let me know? I’d love to hear from you.
October 9, 2025
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
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