Many people are dissatisfied and are trying to detach themselves from their life or career. They often can’t pinpoint why they feel the way they do. They just know they are not happy and may not have a clue how to make themselves happy. Our work together is focused on helping you discover your passion and purpose in life (not just your career), leading to clearer direction, specific action, and a greater sense of control over your life. and his career.
If you are currently feeling stuck or without direction in your career or life, here are 5 life planning steps you can take:
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Clarify your values - Values are the most important thing to you right now. And while values don’t change in the short term, they do change throughout your life as you move in and out of various stages of life. It’s good practice to periodically review your values to make sure they’re aligned with what’s most important to you. I remember a time early in my corporate career when career progression was important to me and I was working long hours, taking night classes and doing what I thought was necessary to get promoted. As I became a mother, I found that children and family were more important to me, and while my career was still important, I gave up career changes that would have meant moving my family. Later, I left my corporate role in favor of running my own business to create more freedom and flexibility. If you find yourself at odds in your career or in your life, it’s possible that your values have changed and you still haven’t aligned your life to support what’s most important to you right now, at this stage of your life. .
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Identify your passion and purpose – What do you most enjoy doing? Are you doing it?” Many people believe that their passion should be their career. But there are many ways to fulfill your passion, even if it’s not your main career. I know an artist who is amassing some amazing art that he sculpts with the hope to exhibit them one day. Art is his passion, and yet he makes a living as a teacher. He finds many ways to integrate his passion into his work. For example, he volunteers to design sets for school productions, teaches art during the summer months at a local art studio and sculpts in your spare time. If you’re one of the lucky ones who is passionate about the work you do in your career, congratulations. And if you’re not, there are still plenty of ways to feed and nurture your passion.
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Define your goals – Do you have a clear set of goals for this year? And for the next 3-5 years and beyond? Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and your life plan should reflect that. A methodical and disciplined approach to make your dreams and goals come true. What do you aspire to be, to have? Even if the goal seems too big or too unattainable, think and plan how you can move in the direction of what you want most. Taking small, regular steps will get you the results you want over time. Also, be sure to look at all areas of your life, not just your career. Consider: money and finances, relationships, personal and professional development, health and wellness, spirituality, family, fun and recreation, and physical environment.
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Organize your finances – Do you have a financial plan? Many years as a banker taught me that some goals need to be planned financially in order to be achieved. Generally, people do not plan properly for their future and then live a life of many regrets. You may have a goal of retiring at 65 or starting a business at some point, but unless you’ve planned for it financially, it may not be possible. I worked with a client who wanted to quit his corporate job and start a business. Through our coaching, he determined the amount of money he needed to cover his expenses until his business broke even. He continued with his corporate work long enough to accumulate the money he would need. While it wasn’t easy to save, be disciplined and continue his work, he set him up for success and took a lot of pressure off his finances in the early stages of his business. Make sure you’ve adequately planned for emergencies, set aside money to reach your goals, and plan for your future, including retirement. A good financial plan is an important component of your overall life plan.
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Create Your Career Plan – No matter where you are in your career today…at the beginning of your career or perhaps nearing the end and thinking about retirement, you need a career plan! A good career plan will include a review of your values, interests, passions, strengths, skills, and experience, as well as your career goals, options, and opportunities. A good plan will identify and address education/experience gaps, personal and professional development needs, as well as available support and mentoring. Having a well thought out plan gives you focus, direction, and confidence to act. The better prepared you are for the future, the easier it will be to slide into your next career move.
If you want to live a life of fulfillment and abundance and without regrets, you will need some personal reflection and planning. If you don’t have the motivation or don’t know how to do it on your own, seek the help of a professional, whether it’s a financial advisor to help you with a financial plan or a career coach to help you with your life and career plan. , take the first step and get on the road to make your dreams and goals come true.