Career

Career FAIL

Today I’m giving you permission to F.A.I.L. in your career. This permission slip gives you full rights to try on, test, experiment, play, and get curious about what’s possible in your career. This means you will not get it “right” the first time, and you will make mistakes or it will get messy along the way.

F.A.I.L. = First Attempt In Learning

Although I’ve heard this acronym before, it was a helpful reminder from a Peloton instructor, Becs Gentry, during a recent run. It made me think about how scary it is to try something for the first time. It’s not easy. We aren’t always that great, and often to get “good” at this new thing it takes time and practice.

This is the challenge when you start to explore your own career possibilities. There’s so many unknowns and uncertainties, and it can become quite overwhelming. So start small. Maybe you’re already career curious. Now’s the time to give it a try and take action towards Designing Your New Work Life!

Try Stuff: Move Beyond Theory to Application

You need to test things out. Stop thinking, reflecting, and planning — it’s time to ACT! Make plans to create, make, and do the things you’re thinking about for your future career self. Consider how you can try and fail at new ideas, practices, and ways of working. To make the change, you may need a trial period to experiment with the “what if?” and get into the experience of how want to work.

Need some ideas for where to start? Ask yourself these questions to learn what you will TRY or DO next:

  • What is one thing you’re going to explore?
  • What do you want to learn more about?
  • How can you try a new skill?
  • What things do you want to practice?
  • How can you grow and develop where you are now?
  • What small experiments can you create in your life/work?
  • If you’re going to say YES to a new way of working, what will you say NO to?
  • What is one easy thing you can to change about how you work right now?
Career, coaching

Career Curious?

I am curious career explorer. I’ve always wanted to know what drives people in their world of work, and what meaningful things are they doing in their lives.

A couple of years ago, I took my curiosity to embark on my own journey as a coach. I love partnering with clients who want to think deeply their “career” and how they impact others with their skills and talents.

This transformation work starts with space and time to talk about being a “professional.” In thinking about who you are, what got you here, and why you’re now questioning your career focus will help to provide insight and perspective into what’s going on. Welcome to the first part of career exploration — reflection.

Here are a few questions I ask my coaching clients before/when we meet:

  • What questions do you have about your career now?
  • How did you get here professionally?
  • What are you most proud of?
  • What excites you at work? In life?
  • What do you want to start doing?
  • What do you want to continue doing?
  • What do I want to stop doing?
  • What are the verbs or actions you enjoy doing at work?
  • How do you want to grow in your career?

Are you interested in creating the work and life you want to lead? Subscribe to my Substack at Careers By Design.