Why this practice?
Small, sequenced learning goals lead to sustained growth (Anders Ericsson, 2007).
What is it?
A step-by-step plan to grow one career skill.
How to use it
Break into 3–5 levels.
Focus on one level each week or month.
Closing thought
Climb with intention, not urgency.
Why this practice?
Asking great questions reveals true fit (Career Contessa, 2022).
What is it?
You ask the questions in an informal or informational interview.
How to use it
Prepare 5–7 open questions.
Focus on values, culture, and learning.
Closing thought
Your questions show your power.
Why this practice?
Curiosity drives learning and career agility (Kashdan et al., 2009).
What is it?
A log of moments where your interest was piqued unexpectedly.
How to use it
Keep a note on your phone or notebook.
Look for patterns every month.
Closing thought
Curiosity is your inner compass.
Why this practice?
Reflective analysis improves future decisions (Kolb, 1984).
What is it?
A one-page analysis of a major career decision you’ve made.
How to use it
Include what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned.
Use it to guide future choices.
Closing thought
Your past teaches your next step.
Why this practice?
Peer learning accelerates development (Vygotsky, 1978).
What is it?
A mutual exchange of skill insights with a colleague or friend.
How to use it
Choose someone with a complementary skill.
Teach each other something in 30 minutes.
Closing thought
We grow faster when we grow together.
Why this practice?
Reframing protects confidence and learning post-rejection (Dweck, 2006).
What is it?
A two-part journaling exercise to reframe a “no” into a lesson.
How to use it
Step 1: Name the sting and story.
Step 2: Name what you claim (strength, insight).
Closing thought
Not all doors open but all teach.
Why this practice?
Short bursts of learning increase mastery and self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997).
What is it?
A 2-week challenge to explore one new skill.
How to use it
Pick a skill that excites or scares you.
Keep a progress log.
Closing thought
Tiny moves now prepare future roles.
Why this practice?
Structured exploration reduces fear and increases learning (IDEO U, 2020).
What is it?
One month to test several mini-ideas or directions.
How to use it
Choose 2–3 small things to try (volunteering, conversations, content creation).
Reflect weekly.
Closing thought
Try. Learn. Adjust. Repeat.
Why this practice?
Courage grows through small, consistent acts (Brené Brown, 2018).
What is it?
A deliberate risk or stretch aligned with your career hopes.
How to use it
Choose something uncomfortable but safe.
Debrief afterwards: what did you learn?
Closing thought
Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s acting alongside it.
Why this practice?
Exposure to diverse paths reduces fear of non-linear careers (Fast Company, 2019).
What is it?
A casual conversation with someone who made a bold career move.
How to use it
Ask: “What did you learn? What would you do differently?”
Reflect on what surprised you.
Closing thought
Other people’s paths can help illuminate your own.
