In this post, you’ll learn 5 steps to bridge the gap between where you are right now and where you want to go next – if you’re keen to make a pivot, this will help you prepare for it.
Have you ever thought about doing something different than what you’re doing right now?
Ever felt like you weren’t using all of your talents? Or that you could be making an even BIGGER IMPACT?
Despite the current cloud of uncertainty, there are 2 things you can be sure of:
(1) Economic instability has never been higher. You might be one of the lucky ones who’ve been able to continue working these last few months. However, you might not be so lucky next year. The simple truth is that nobody knows what’s going to happen next year, let alone next month – to your job or to your organization.
(2) There’s never been a better time to start moving toward your next career move. That is, moving toward that dream job role, new company or even profession. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of being your own boss? Right now might not be the best time to make that leap…BUT, it is the right time to remove that rope around your waist and start the transition from where you are now and where you want to go next!
Pivot With Confidence In 5 Steps
Have you ever seen a cat catch a mouse? She doesn’t go chasing after it as soon as she sees it. Not if she really wants to eat. She stealthily crouches and quietly approaches…a dragon READY TO POUNCE. The cat knows what she wants. She also knows what to do to get it.
Unfortunately, it’s not always so clear cut for us humans. We don’t always know exactly what we want. Or, how best to get it. We often need guidance and direction. We need to reflect and plan. And there’s nothing at all wrong with that – it just means you’re human.
If you feel like you’re ready for something new…something that requires ALL OF YOUR TALENT AND ENERGY, here are 5 steps to bridge the gap from A) Where you are now to B) Where you’d like to go:
Step 1 – Get honest about your current situation
Before you can move toward something you need to understand where you are. You need clarity on your current reality and how you’d like to change it. Think about it – how can you change something if you don’t know what you’d like to change? Not only is this the first step, it’s the most important one!
Here are 3 good questions to ask yourself:
- What do I like about my current situation? Dislike?
- What would I like to change about my current situation?
- What and who could help me make this change/s?
Top tip: You also want to be aware of what you like so you can hold onto it or find a way to recreate it.
Step 2 – Update your CV
Part of understanding your current situation is understanding where you’ve come from and everything you’ve accomplished so far. How others view you and your accomplishments is also important. It’s probably time to update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Take time to find some profiles you like so you can integrate the best elements into yours.
Key question: How would it feel to have your own website? A living, breathing business card?
Step 3 – Get a coach or mentor
Take any top athlete in any sport and you’ll find a coach right behind them. A trusted coach can give that little push or motivation that they can’t give themselves. There’s no reason why a coach couldn’t help you up your game too! If you’re looking for more direction and advice, a mentor might be a good option for you.
Top tip: Seek out someone whose story inspires you to reach for your goals.
Step 4 – Prioritize what matters
No doubt you’ve got a lot of questions – Where do I start? Who should I contact first? Imagine you’re a hunter. An old-school caveman who has to hunt in order to eat. No kill, no food. Your goal: Find food for you and your family…today. But, your hunting spear is very old. Making a new one is another important goal. Which goal takes priority today?
Top tip: When prioritizing between important goals, ask yourself what’s more urgent right now – what action will bring me closer to it?
Step 5 – Create action plan
If the disrupting events of the last few years (and weeks!) have taught us anything, it’s that today’s well-thought out plan may be useless tomorrow. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan. On the contrary. Every 21st century action plan needs two things: 1) The flexibility to adjust when the unexpected emerges…and 2) A feasible back-up plan that you can fall back on – the “creative pivot”.
Top tip: Think of this transition as your “creative pivot”.
Take Action Today
Yes, the future is unknown. Things are not going back to “normal” anytime soon. But, it’s a great time for you to reflect on where you are now and where you’d like to go next.
Be like the cat hunting the mouse – laser focused on its goal, crystal clear on how to get it.
And when you’re not exactly sure what your next career pivot (goal) looks like, these 5 steps will help you transition with confidence.
Don’t delay, get to work today!
For my FREE ADVICE on making a career pivot, drop me a note and let's chat: info@tim-nash.com