Why this practice?
Role models help surface unspoken career desires and identity values (Stanford Graduate School of Business).
What is it?
Noting who inspires you and what they reflect.
How to use it
List 3 admired people.
Note the traits or paths you value.
Use them as a guide.
Closing thought
Admiration shows direction. Listen to it.
Why this practice?
Speaking goals out loud boosts commitment and clarity (American Psychological Association).
What is it?
A micro-practice to verbalise your next career step.
How to use it
Say your goal aloud during a walk or to a trusted peer.
Listen to your tone.
Adjust the wording until it feels energising.
Closing thought
If you can’t speak it, you’re not ready to reach it. Start with your voice.
Why this practice?
Learning from younger or less experienced peers sharpens relevance and adaptability (Harvard Business Review).
What is it?
A casual learning dialogue where you let someone junior teach you something they excel in.
How to use it
Ask a colleague to share insight on a skill or trend you’re less familiar with.
Listen deeply, reflect openly.
Express gratitude.
Closing thought
Everyone has wisdom. Humility is the door to learning.
Why this practice?
Auditory memory makes goals feel personal (NPR, 2020).
What is it?
An audio message of encouragement for later.
How to use it
Speak as if to a friend: “You’ve got this.”
Listen when motivation dips.
Closing thought
Your own voice can be your best ally.
Why this practice?
Support networks buffer stress and increase goal follow-through (APA, 2017).
What is it?
A group of 3–5 people who support your change.
How to use it
Choose a mix of listeners, challengers and cheerleaders.
Keep in touch regularly.
Closing thought
You don’t need a crowd — just the right few.
Why this practice?
Social support improves resilience and career clarity (Gallup, 2020).
What is it?
A group of 3–5 people who listen, reflect and encourage you.
How to use it
Meet monthly or share voice notes.
Set small goals between check-ins.
Closing thought
You don’t have to go it alone. Find your people.
Why this practice?
Staying current boosts confidence and conversation skills (Harvard Business School, 2023).
What is it?
A routine for learning through audio.
How to use it
Pick 1–2 podcasts in your interest area.
Listen weekly on walks or commutes.
Keep a note of takeaways or ideas.
Closing thought
Learning can be as easy as pressing play.
Why this practice?
Tracking emotional energy over time highlights what needs change (Career Wellbeing Index, 2022).
What is it?
A simple tool to monitor how work affects your energy.
How to use it
Score weeks as energising, draining, or neutral.
Track in a spreadsheet or notebook.
Use patterns to inform next moves.
Closing thought
Energy is feedback—listen to it.
Why this practice?
Hearing real stories demystifies change and builds courage (Harvard Business Review, 2021).
What is it?
A conversation with someone who’s done what you’re considering.
How to use it
Reach out to a contact or ask on LinkedIn.
Prepare 3–5 key questions.
Listen deeply, and ask for one next step they recommend.
Closing thought
Career wisdom lives in other people’s stories, ask.
Why this practice?
Trying on roles builds insight and empathy, and helps validate or rule out career paths (LinkedIn Learning, 2022).
What is it?
Spending time in someone else’s shoes at work.
How to use it
Ask a colleague in a different role for a shadow session.
Observe, ask questions, and reflect on fit.
Closing thought
Sometimes clarity comes from stepping sideways.
