If you’ve followed along with Part 1 of this series, you’ve likely taken some time to answer key questions and identify your own headline action points. It may feel overwhelming to look at these changes on paper—stepping outside of your comfort zone often feels that way! Every instinct might tell you to toss it all aside and stick to what you know. But remember, the fact that you made it this far is a sign that you’re ready for change, and you’re not fully satisfied with where you’re at in your work life.
So, before you let hesitation take over, take a deep breath, look at your answers, and acknowledge your key action points. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Nothing happens without action.
- You control how big or small each action step will be.
- You set your own pace for change.
Your desire to create a work environment that suits you better is entirely your own! Now, looking at your action plan, take the first action point and ask yourself:
- Is this a large step, or can it be broken down into smaller, manageable tasks?
- How long will each part take to complete?
- Do some steps need to happen in a certain order?
Create a prioritized list for each action. You can repeat this process for all of your action points or take each point step-by-step, breaking it down further as you progress.
Things to Keep in Mind
Your action plan is a flexible tool. As you begin working through it, you might come across new opportunities you hadn’t considered before.
- Is this new path worth exploring? Absolutely. You may discover something valuable you hadn’t noticed before.
- Does it mean abandoning your initial plan? Not necessarily. You can explore and see where it leads without fully committing yet. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll gain additional knowledge that may help with other goals.
If a new path feels right, adjust your action plan to reflect it. Remember, your action plan is just that—a plan, not a strict rule. Nothing is set in stone.
This journey may take a month, a year, or even be a continuous process. You can revisit it whenever your work life no longer aligns with your goals. And remember: there are no “right” or “wrong” answers—your journey is a personal exploration of what works for you.
Do I Need to Take This Journey Alone?
That choice is entirely yours. Some people find it empowering to tackle their goals solo, while others benefit from a trusted listener or supportive friend to help process their thoughts. If you’d like support, reach out to someone you trust and let them know how they can best support you on your journey.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Journey!
At each step, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and ask yourself:
- Does taking each step feel good?
- Does having control over your work life feel empowering?
- Are new possibilities exciting (even if a bit scary)?
- Do you feel good about giving yourself permission to pursue this change?
Believe in yourself: I can, I am, and I will.
