Two exercises to help you design the future state of your career
Going for months or years without regular introspection can lead you down a path that you didn’t intend to be on.
In a coaching session this morning, a client realized that she hasn't spent time thinking about her career long term.
Most people aren't clear about where they are headed. We're focused on doing the best job we can right now, are racing to meet our goals for this quarter or H1, and hope for the best.
Zooming out to a 5 year view is not easy. Who knows what will happen that is outside of your control? This company, the economy, AI, you name it. So many variables.
But that is precisely why we need to maximize the part that we DO control.
Our own vision. One that deeply inspires us, that fuels our drive. Also - our ability to be flexible in our plans.
Here are two exercises I recommend, that engage both sides of the brain:
1) BE THE CSO
Pretend you're the appointed Chief Strategy Officer for your own career. Your task is to design your desired future state 5 years from now. You have to solve for A) work that makes you feel fulfilled, engaged, and excited about learning more, and B) work that
creates an impact you are proud of.
2) VISUALIZE IT
Here is a powerful exercise to help you connect with your ideal future state. I highly recommend that you set 20 mins of 'do not disturb' mode, connect with your heart and your intuition:
- Think about your career 5 years from now. Imagine that everything has gone as well as it possibly could.
- You have worked hard and succeeded in accomplishing all of your goals.
- You are so proud of yourself for achieving each of those goals and making those changes that got you here. You are satisfied and deeply engaged in your work.
- What comes up as you reflect on your ideal future state?
We can go through that tough meeting or that tough project when we know it all builds and strengthens our skills to intentionally become who we want to become.
I'd love to hear what comes up for you as you do any or both of these exercises!
#idealfuturestate #strategicplanning #careerdevelopment #happinessatwork #happinessmatters #careergoals #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching
