Why this practice?
Short bursts of focused action build momentum and confidence (IDEO, Design Thinking).
What is it?
A 4–6 week period where you concentrate on one specific professional goal.
How to use it
Pick a micro-goal (e.g., “refresh my CV”, “learn one new tool”).
Break it into weekly steps.
Celebrate small wins each week.
Closing thought
You don’t need a plan for the year, just one strong sprint.
Why this practice?
Stepping back from the daily grind helps with big-picture thinking and purpose (McKinsey).
What is it?
A self-designed half- or full-day away from work to reflect, plan, and refocus.
How to use it
Choose a quiet space (e.g., library, café, nature).
Bring your career questions or reflections.
Use prompts like: “Where am I going?” or “What am I avoiding?”
Closing thought
Distance reveals direction. Gift yourself the pause.
Why this practice?
Curiosity fuels growth, resilience, and learning agility (Harvard Business Review).
What is it?
A personal inventory of what fascinates or energises you right now.
How to use it
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Write down any ideas, industries, or roles that spark interest.
Explore one each month.
Closing thought
Your career path often begins where your curiosity leads.
Why this practice?
Letting go of outdated roles or habits creates space for growth (Greater Good Science Center).
What is it?
A list of career behaviours, beliefs or tasks you’re intentionally choosing to release.
How to use it
Reflect on what no longer fits your values or energy.
Write down what you’re letting go of (e.g., “saying yes to everything”).
Revisit when you feel stuck or drained.
Closing thought
What you stop doing matters as much as what you start.
Why this practice?
Knowing your boundaries and needs protects against burnout and misalignment (Harvard Business Review).
What is it?
Listing the essential conditions you need in a job, such as respect, flexibility, or growth.
How to use it
List the top 3–5 things you absolutely require in a job.
Review roles or opportunities through this lens.
Update the list as you evolve.
Closing thought
Clarity is kind especially to yourself.
Why this practice?
Clear communication unlocks opportunity (Dorie Clark, 2021).
What is it?
A short story explaining your career change.
How to use it
Frame: “I used to…, now I’m focusing on…”
Keep it under 30 seconds.
Closing thought
Your story creates belief.
Why this practice?
Looking back sharpens future focus (IDEO, 2020).
What is it?
A reflection ritual like a project review.
How to use it
Questions: What energised me? What drained me? What did I learn?
Summarise into 3 career insights.
Closing thought
Growth lives in the rearview mirror.
Why this practice?
Clarity comes from the end looking back (HBS, 2020).
What is it?
A future speech about the impact you made.
How to use it
Write from the voice of a friend or colleague.
Highlight values, not job titles.
Closing thought
Work is how we shape legacy.
Why this practice?
Career changes often come in midlife (HBR, 2022).
What is it?
Imagining next chapters not tied to your CV.
How to use it
Ask: “If not this, then what?”
Research 2 new fields or roles.
Closing thought
Second acts often start with curiosity.
Why this practice?
Community reflection strengthens transitions (Brown, 2018).
What is it?
A small dinner to honour your career shift.
How to use it
Invite 3–5 friends. Share: what’s next and why.
Ask for stories or advice.
Closing thought
Transitions are stronger when shared.
