Why this practice?
Defining preferences sharpens career focus and supports intentional decision-making (HBR, 2022).
What is it?
A running list of things you want more of—and less of—in your next role.
How to use it
After any meeting or task, write “I want more of this” or “less of that.”
Review weekly for emerging themes.
Use it to vet future roles and projects.
Closing thought
Clarity grows one honest note at a time.
Why this practice?
Small-scale testing helps reduce fear and build confidence in trying new directions (Ries, 2011).
What is it?
A micro project or experiment to test a new career idea with low risk.
How to use it
Pick an idea: a new role, skill, or task.
Commit to trying it for a set time—e.g., a weekend project or volunteer role.
Reflect on what you enjoyed, learned, or want to avoid.
Closing thought
You don’t need a leap, try a step.
Why this practice?
Identifying what energises you provides insight into roles and environments where you'll thrive (Gallup, 2021).
What is it?
A simple list of tasks, people, and settings that uplift and motivate you.
How to use it
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Write everything that gives you energy at work.
Reflect on what patterns emerge, these are clues to your best-fit career.
Closing thought
Your career thrives where your energy flows.
Why this practice?
Recognising when it’s time for change prevents burnout.
What is it?
A list of signs that suggest you’re ready for a career shift.
How to use it
Reflect on your energy, engagement, and purpose weekly.
Ask: “Am I still growing here?”
Closing thought
Change starts when you start noticing.
Why this practice?
Focusing on control builds psychological safety in uncertainty.
What is it?
Listing what you can and can’t influence in a transition.
How to use it
Draw two circles: “influence” and “out of my hands.”
Focus actions on the inner circle.
Closing thought
Energy follows attention. Put it where you have power.
Why this practice?
Joy signals alignment with purpose.
What is it?
Noticing the tasks that energise and excite you.
How to use it
Keep track for one week.
Ask: what makes me lose track of time in a good way?
Plan more of these in your schedule.
Closing thought
Purpose often hides in your favourite moments.
Why this practice?
Reframing mistakes reduces fear and builds resilience.
What is it?
A mindset that treats errors as feedback, not failure.
How to use it
When a mistake happens, write:
What happened?
What can I learn?
What will I do next time?
Consider keeping a “mistake-to-learning” log.
Closing thought
Every stumble is a step forward, if you reflect.
Why this practice?
Dedicating time removes excuses and builds habit.
What is it?
A weekly or fortnightly calendar block for learning.
How to use it
Block 1 hour.
Use it for reading, courses, or reflection.
Keep it sacred.
Closing thought
Make learning a ritual, not a luxury.
Why this practice?
Growth often stalls not from lack of effort, but unspoken resistance. Awareness is the first shift.
What is it?
Spotting inner or outer factors that block your development.
How to use it
Ask: what’s getting in the way of my next step?
Name the blocker (e.g., fear, lack of clarity, no time).
Brainstorm one small action to reduce it.
Closing thought
Blockers don’t mean stop. They mean: look closer.
Why this practice?
Work becomes sustainable when it gives back energy. Recognising those moments increases motivation and self-awareness.
What is it?
Mapping the moments when your work felt energising and joyful.
How to use it
At the end of each day, write one moment you felt “alive” at work.
After 2 weeks, identify patterns.
Shift your tasks or goals to include more of these.
Closing thought
Your energy is feedback. Follow what fuels you.
