Why this practice?
Working backward from a goal clarifies next steps (Design Thinking Career Model).
What is it?
A plan that starts at your end-goal role and works backward.
How to use it
Research someone in your dream role.
Identify 3–5 key steps they took.
Adapt a path that fits your context.
Closing thought
Success leaves a trail, study it.
Why this practice?
Acknowledging progress builds motivation and self-trust (BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits).
What is it?
A practice to notice and name small career steps.
How to use it
Keep a list of weekly wins, no matter how small.
Review monthly to see growth.
Celebrate in a way that re-energises you.
Closing thought
Momentum grows where celebration flows.
Why this practice?
Comparing options side by side increases decision confidence (Harvard Decision Science, 2020).
What is it?
A table that weighs job choices by what matters to you.
How to use it
List options in rows and criteria in columns (e.g., salary, growth, meaning).
Score each on a scale of 1–5.
Discuss with a trusted friend or coach.
Closing thought
Good decisions grow from clarity, not pressure.
Why this practice?
Small experiments build momentum and reduce fear (The Lean Startup, 2011).
What is it?
A low-stakes way to test a new direction.
How to use it
Choose something doable in 1–2 hours.
Example: research a role, attend a webinar, or shadow someone.
Reflect on what you learned.
Closing thought
Don’t leap, tiptoe with intention.
Why this practice?
Belonging to a new network supports growth and discovery (McKinsey, 2022).
What is it?
A group that aligns with your next-step interests.
How to use it
Find one online or locally (e.g., Meetup, Slack groups).
Attend one event or discussion.
Ask one question and make one connection.
Closing thought
Community grows your clarity.
Why this practice?
Knowing your strengths boosts confidence during change.
What is it?
A list of current capabilities and growth areas.
How to use it
Identify 5 skills you’ve built.
Note 3 you’d like to develop.
Closing thought
You bring more to the table than you think.
Why this practice?
Tracking progress builds momentum and shows growth.
What is it?
A simple visual or list of key points in your current change journey.
How to use it
Add major events, insights, and turning points.
Closing thought
Transitions are stories, see the plot.
Why this practice?
Transitions are fertile ground for growth but only if noticed.
What is it?
A running list of insights from the change you’re navigating.
How to use it
Each week, write one thing this change is teaching you.
Closing thought
Hard seasons often hide the best lessons.
Why this practice?
Meaning differs for everyone, naming it personalises it.
What is it?
A list of 3–5 things that make work meaningful for you.
How to use it
Reflect: what makes work feel worth it?
Capture themes: growth, service, challenge?
Use these to guide career decisions.
Closing thought
When you define meaning, you can seek it out.
Why this practice?
Growth is richer with support and accountability.
What is it?
A small peer group that supports each other’s learning.
How to use it
Invite 2–3 people.
Meet monthly to share learning goals and check-ins.
Celebrate progress.
Closing thought
We learn better together.
