How To Make Your Next Career Move With Confidence

Written by: Tim Nash, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

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Have you ever thought about doing something different from what you’re doing right now?

Do you ever feel like you aren’t using all your talents in your current job…or that you could be making a BIGGER IMPACT?

In this article, you will learn 5 steps to start the transition from where you are now to where you want to go next.

Despite the uncertain business climate, there are two things you can be sure of: 1. Economic instability has never been higher. You might be one of the lucky ones who managed to keep earning during the pandemic. However, you might not be so lucky next year. The simple truth is that nobody knows what’s going to happen next year, let alone next month – to your job or to your organization. 2. There’s never been a better time for a career pivot. That is, pivoting away from the dissatisfying work you are doing right now towards a more fulfilling job role, company or profession even. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of being your own boss?

“It might not be the right time for you to make that leap…BUT, it is the right time to remove that rope around your waist and start planning for it.”

5 Steps To Get To Where You Want To Be

Have you ever seen a cat catch a mouse?

She doesn’t go chasing after it as soon as she sees it. Not if she wants to eat. She crouches and quietly approaches…a dragon READY TO POUNCE.

The cat knows what it wants. She also knows how to get it.

Unfortunately, it’s not always so clear cut for humans. We don’t always know exactly what we want. Or, how best to get it. We often need guidance and time for planning. Nothing at all wrong with that – it just means you’re human with real needs and concerns.

If you feel like you’re ready for something new… something that requires ALL OF YOUR TALENTS, here are 5 steps to bridge the gap from where you are to where you want to be:

Step 1 – Get honest about your current situation

Before you can move toward something, you need to understand where you are. You need clarity on your current reality and how you’d like to change it.

“Think about it – how can you change something if you don’t know what you’d like to change? Not only is this the first step, but it’s also the most important one.”

Here are 3 self-questions to help you find clarity:

1. What do I like about my current situation? Dislike?

2. What would I like to change about my current situation?

3. What and who could help me make this change?

You must be aware of what you like and dislike in your current job so that you can hold onto it or avoid it in your new one.

Step 2 – Take inventory, make updates

Part of understanding your current situation is recognizing how far you’ve come and everything you’ve accomplished so far. It makes sense to take inventory of your skills and accomplishments.

How others view you and your accomplishments is also important. It’s probably time to update your CV, LinkedIn profile, etc.

Even though it’s an incomplete picture of who you are, how you come across in the virtual world influences how people feel about you. So don’t rush this step.

PRO TIP: Take time to find some profiles you like so you can integrate the best elements into yours. Start with people to who you are attracted to.

Step 3 – Find a trusted advisor

Take any top athlete in any sport and you’ll find a coach right behind them. A trusted coach can give you that little push or motivation that you can’t give yourself. There’s no reason why a coach couldn’t help you raise your game.

If you’re looking for more direction and advice, a mentor might be a good option for you.

Whether a coach, mentor or other trusted advisor, seek out someone who inspires you to achieve your goals.

PRO TIP: For inspiration and advice on how to pivot, look for people who have done what you want to do. Here are 3 BIG THINGS that helped me make my 4 pivots.

Step 4 – Prioritize what matters

No doubt you’ve got a lot of questions – Where do I start? Who should I contact first? Imagine you are an old-school hunter who has to hunt in order to eat. No kill, no food.

Your goal: Find a food for you and your family…or go hungry. But, your hunting spear is very old. Making a new one is another important goal.

Food or spear ‒ which goal takes priority today?

Clearly, food. A nice new spear will not prevent you from starving.

PRO TIP: When prioritizing between two important goals, ask yourself what action will bring you closer to the more urgent goal. Step 5 – Create an action plan

If the disrupting events of the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that today’s well-thought-out plan may be useless tomorrow.

Remember the Yiddish proverb: “Man plans, God laughs”.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan. On the contrary.

Every 21st-century action plan needs two things:

1. Flexibility to adjust when the unexpected happens

2. A feasible backup plan that you can fall back on

If it helps you get started, think of this transition as your Plan B.

Take Action Today

The future is unknown. Things are not going back to how they were before the pandemic. Therefore, it’s a great time for you to reflect on where you are now and where you’d like to go next.

“Be like the cat hunting the mouse – laser-focused on its goal, crystal clear on how to get it.”

If you are not sure what your next career move will look like, these 5 steps will help you start the transition with confidence.

Don’t delay, get to work today!

Once again, a great starting point is listening to people who have done what you want to do.

Thanks for reading,

Tim

For regular tips and closer interaction, connect with me on LinkedIn.

Read more from Tim!

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Tim Nash, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Tim Nash is on a mission to help senior professionals escape their energy-zapping maze, focus on what matters and pave the way for success. Via the empowering principles of Gestalt, he guides his clients below the surface to overcome what is preventing them from performing at their best.

For over two decades, Tim has helped young professionals to C-level executives lead and collaborate across cultures. He is also the founder of The Path To Peak Performance which includes his dynamic coaching practice and American Transplant web series.