Week Two To-Do’s
Now that you have started noticing what’s happening around you and paying attention to what you like to do, don’t like to do, the moments of the day that speak to you (see Week One) — keep noticing. Doing the thought work now will save you time scrolling and applying to roles that don’t align with your skills, experience or desires. This week, we want you to continue honing in on what you want to do. Here’s how!
+ THREE TASKS
ASK OTHERS WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT
Parties and events present a perfect time to talk with others about what they think you are good at. It might feel awkward, but ask. Tell them you’re exploring what’s next and ask people to describe when they saw you thriving or having an impact.
You can take a more formal approach to this step as well. Call or email old colleagues, or people you knew at different stages of your life. What observations do they have?
Add the comments and notes to your journal. Do they align with themes from your Week One notes? What is new or different?
READ YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINE OR NEWSPAPER
No one said we were offering conventional advice! Seriously — grab a few periodicals to read over the week. What better to do while at the pool? Pick ones (we suggest at least one business magazine) that spark curiosity and that you’re naturally drawn to. While digital will work, we suggest hard copies if you can find them.
Take note of what you pick up. The Economist? Bon Appétit? Vogue? This is so granular, but why do you like those magazines? Remember we’re getting in touch with what motivates you. While browsing, take note of anything that sparks and idea or something that makes you curious to know more. Articles about people can inspire when they tell us how they got where they are, how they found their passion. Articles about fashion trends may have deeper supply chain or sustainability concepts that intrigue you. Circle, highlight, take notes.
Try reading the business section of your local or favorite newspaper every day for one week. What companies are talked about that look interesting? What data catch your eye and get you thinking? Are you more drawn to growth stories? Operations? Product? Policy? News about foundations or non-profits? News about specific industries (education, climate-tech, economy)?
PICK YOUR PODCASTS
Podcasts present a huge opportunity to learn while doing something else — like running, driving, commuting — and can spark new ideas and inspiration.
Build something/general inspiration: How I Built This with Guy Raz
Reading: Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books
The hidden side of everything: Freakonomics
Comedy: Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers
Tech: Pivot Podcast
+ TWO INSPIRATIONAL READS
Staying Loose to Achieve Success
No doubt job search and career change decisions are stressful. Take a note from coach Johanna Beyer’s playbook and check out these seven strategies for staying loose, less stressed, and more open to what’s next.
Four Steps to Defining Your Own Happiness
Being happier and feeling successful must be based on your truth and your priorities. Here’s a tool to define those.
