How to face the fear and make a plan

How to make a career plan Tracy Short & Co .jpg

Photo by Catherine Heath on Unsplash

Having a plan helps regardless of whether you’re stuck-in-a-rut, at a crossroads or not happy at work. It’ll also help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nothing happens without a plan.

All those holidays you’ve taken, parties you’ve attended, even the home you live in now were planned. We plan menus, outfits and how to run a marathon (not guilty)

Yet most people don’t plan their careers, they leave it to chance but having a plan gives us focus and a sense of control and I reckon that’s exactly what we all need right now.

All my private coaching clients leave me with an action plan

Simple, actionable steps that will keep the process going. That's how we get results.

Do you need a plan?

You do if any of the following apply:

  • You’re stuck in a rut, bored, unfulfilled, feeling a bit flat, lost your mojo at work

  • You’re at a crossroads, having a midlife career crisis, not getting a buzz out of your job anymore, searching for more meaning and purpose

  • You’re not happy at work, you’ve been overlooked, you’re feeling frustrated, angry or trapped

  • You’re in the middle of a global pandemic and you’re not feeling secure about the future

Having a plan reminds you that you have options

Make a plan and put it in your back pocket for safekeeping.

Here’s a really simple way to get started

  1. Start with an honest self-assessment

  2. Get clear on your values, career highlights and achievements, your niche and expertise

  3. Think about where you’ve done the best work, the type of company culture and the people you work well with

  4. Map out your transferrable skills (technical & interpersonal skills and personal qualities)

  5. Look back over your career – what’s the common thread?

  6. Think about the type of problems you solve and why you’ve been hired by companies

  7. List out your sector and market experience

  8. What companies & brands could you help with your experience?

  9. What are your goals?

  10. What skills do you need to sharpen up?

  11. How are you going to market and sell your expertise?

  12. Who do you need to be networking with?

  13. What’s your plan A, B and C?

  14. What’s the worst-case scenario?

I know, it gets a bit harsh at the end but I’m not known for being a fluffy, tea & sympathy type of coach. 

Tracy’s “no-nonsense” approach is challenging but extremely rewarding. She takes you out of your comfort zone and really encourages you to think differently.’

‘Tracy is a refreshing voice of reality, not shy to deliver honest feedback but in a positive and engaging way.’

‘Tracy has a great objective approach to you, who you are and how you communicate. Very open and positively challenging sessions that make you re-think how you position yourself’

 

Have you heard of Fear Setting?

Tim Ferris recommends it over goal setting.

You’ll need to read up on it but in a nutshell… You confront your fears, consider how you could prevent them and how you’d fix the worst-case scenario.

Then you work out the cost of inaction (emotionally, physically and financially).

Could be helpful.

Have you tried the magical planning technique?

If you’d like my help making a plan – get in touch

IABOUT ME

I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.

I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.

If you’re ready for straight-talk and career guidance get in touch – let's start the conversation.

 

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