Starting anything new is hard, whether that be learning a new language or trying a new exercise program. In regards to one’s career, it can be hard to change career paths. It’s a chicken and the egg problem: you need the experience to get the job, but you can’t get the experience without the job.

Sometimes all it takes is someone giving you a chance to get your foot in the door. But how do you show you deserve that chance? How do you network or create the portfolio to break through? The key is accountability and mentorship. Talk without accountability is worthless, and having a mentor guide you will save you a lot of time and effort in your path.

Find those two things in whatever you want to learn, and you will be able push through the early difficulties to get to your personal tipping point. From there, you’ll get the right opportunities and gain the momentum you need.