Why this practice?
Naming inner blockers helps reduce self-sabotage (Positive Intelligence, 2021).
What is it?
A list of internal voices or habits that stall your growth.
How to use it
Give each a name and a typical phrase they say.
Practice responding with curiosity, not shame.
Closing thought
Awareness is the first act of career courage.
Why this practice?
Aligning work with values increases motivation and wellbeing (Steger & Dik, 2009).
What is it?
A CV highlighting roles, projects and behaviours that reflect your core values.
How to use it
List examples of where your values shaped your choices.
Share with a mentor or coach for insight.
Closing thought
This CV shows who you are, not just what you’ve done.
Why this practice?
Clarity on must-haves improves satisfaction and boundary-setting (Gallup, 2021).
What is it?
A list of conditions you need to thrive at work.
How to use it
Include practical (salary, location) and emotional (respect, meaning) factors.
Use it as a filter during job searches or role reviews.
Closing thought
Knowing what you won’t trade is power.
Why this practice?
Naming comfort zones helps you stretch wisely, not blindly (McKinsey & Company, 2020).
What is it?
A scale of career decisions from low to high perceived risk.
How to use it
Mark where you are now.
Choose your next 1-point stretch.
Closing thought
You don’t have to leap, you can step.
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.
Why this practice?
Regular alignment checks improve job search outcomes (LinkedIn Talent Blog, 2022).
What is it?
A habit of checking whether your job matches your evolving needs.
How to use it
Rate your current role or new leads on fit (1–5).
Reflect on dealbreakers.
Closing thought
Your standards can grow with you. Make space for better matches.
Why this practice?
Visual tracking of progress increases commitment to goals (APA, 2017).
What is it?
A simple calendar to track weekly or monthly steps in your transition.
How to use it
Choose small, doable actions.
Celebrate streaks, not speed.
Closing thought
Progress doesn’t need perfection, just presence.
Why this practice?
Micro-experiments reduce fear and expand learning (Design Thinking, 2021).
What is it?
Trying out small ways of working in new directions.
How to use it
Host a peer workshop.
Volunteer or job shadow.
Closing thought
Experimenting isn’t failing. It’s practising curiosity.
Why this practice?
Breakthroughs in awareness often signal your next career direction (IDEO, 2016).
What is it?
A record of insights or realisations about work you value.
How to use it
Keep a running list in your phone or journal.
Highlight what feels emotionally charged.
Closing thought
Insights whisper. Write them down before they fade.
Why this practice?
Reviewing your career reveals transferable skills and untapped themes (Harvard Business Review, 2022).
What is it?
A look back at your past 3–5 roles with fresh eyes.
How to use it
List what you liked, learned, and left behind.
Share insights with a mentor.
Closing thought
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.
