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Finding clarity in your career journey is as tricky as solving a puzzle without all the pieces. Many are struggling to even get close to that. They are unsure of which direction to take or how to start their journey.
Some have so many different ideas, unable to pinpoint which one to pursue. They’re multi-passionte, but they don’t know which one would be best to focus time and energy on.
Others struggle to come up with ideas when thinking about what they want to do for work. They often say, “I don’t know what I want.” Unfortunately, many of these people don’t give themselves time or space to figure out what they really want.
The result? Getting stuck in overthinking, called analysis paralysis. You feel like you can’t move forward and keep feeling stuck.
The reason you don’t take action and feel stuck is because you’re scared. You’re afraid of making mistakes, of going down the wrong path, and wasting time and money. So, better stay stuck, too afraid to try in case you fail.
That’s why I encourage my clients to take small steps forward to test your career.
How to Take the First Step
Think of these steps as mini experiments for your career. They help you figure out what you enjoy and which path fits you best without taking up too much time or money.
By taking these intentional steps, you’ll:
- Gain clarity on what you truly want from your career.
- Build confidence in your chosen path.
- Break free from the paralysis of indecision and start making real progress.
Here are some career experiments you could try:
- Informational Interviews: Chat with people working in fields that interest you. Learn about their career paths and daily tasks to see if it matches with your interests.
- Volunteering or Internships.
- Short-term Training Courses: Enroll in online courses or workshops to learn relevant skills.
- Project Work: Start a project or take on freelance work in an area you want to explore.
- Networking Events: Go to industry events to meet people and explore different career paths. Networking can open doors.
- Career Counseling: Work with a career coach or counselor to clarify your goals and map out a plan that plays to your strengths and what matters most to you.
