In a recent post, I announced my new coaching business website and noted that due to the pandemic it is a time of contemplation and change for many people. A May business survey reported nearly 1 in 3 respondents had a shift in perspective due to the pandemic and wanted to pursue a more meaningful or fulfilling job.

Are you ready to make a move? From my own journey I’d like to share a few tips that may inspire and compel you to begin a new path.

Yes, it can be scary to think about taking a risk and making a big change in your life. It took me two years of “testing the waters” before I finalized my move. From my own experience I offer a few tips I picked up along the way that may help you get started. 

Just Start: Baby Steps

In coaching we often say, “clarity comes through action.” It can be daunting thinking about taking a giant leap. But what if you created a plan of small steps of exploration, discovery and learning that helped bring you more clarity? Maybe it’s a plan to reach out to 1 or 2 people in your network each month to explore new roles or new companies? If you want to learn a new skill or explore a related professional area there are literally thousands of on-line courses (often free). Whatever it is, create a plan that is manageable that you can stick to.

Daily Check-Ins: Increase Self-Awareness

Often, we’re so busy in our daily lives we don’t check in with ourselves to evaluate our own satisfaction and happiness. One simple first step in increasing self-awareness is to start a daily journal. At end of your day, reflect on the times of day when you were “in the flow” or feeling great satisfaction and high energy. Identify the times that took you low and required every bit of forced focus and jot those down. What were the specific tasks, who were you working with, and what were you feeling? With practice you’ll start to see this “in the moment”. You’ll begin to get clearer on what brings you joy, your preferences for work, and the work environment that aligns more closely with your values.

You’re Not Alone: Leverage a Support System

As I was developing my website and preparing to launch my business, I came across a peer who also was in the early stages of their business development and website. We decided to meet weekly to discuss and share our work but more importantly to hold each other accountable for progress against our weekly goals. I would NOT have launched my website by now (nor would you be reading this post) had it not been for my Accountability Partner.

The time is now! I wish you the best in making the move the create the life and career you have always wanted.