Are you looking to career coach yourself? Not a bad idea. While there’s a lot to be gained by working with another person, no reason you can’t get started on your own.
Self-coaching might even make any future coaching relationship easier, as you begin to get to know aspects of you that may be in hiding. And at the very least, you’ll have a fun ride — in a very familiar amusement park.
It’s serious but don’t take it serious
Perhaps even the thought that you can career coach yourself feels too overwhelming. Or just not the right idea for you. But why not at least give it a try? As a very centered and caring Chinese doctor once said to me “It’s serious, but don’t take it serious.”
For those of you as grammatically geeky as I am, yes it should be “seriously”. But that’s exactly the point … loosen up and have fun exploring. This isn’t the time yet to let “I could never do that” be your guiding force. Just let the ideas flow as you open up to new thoughts — and potential new paths!
Career coaching yourself starts here
As you look to explore new directions, it’s important to first take some time to get to know yourself better. Sure you’ve known you all your life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t gain a new perspective — and maybe even surprise yourself.
Some posts to get those brain cells moving — and just maybe starting to look at things from a slightly different angle:
Why Do I Always Pick the Wrong Job?
10 Reasons Your Job Isn’t Working for You
7 Reasons We Stay In Bad Jobs
Now those coach yourself exercises
I love using some version of these fun exercises when I first start working with clients. Just know that the exercises work best if you take the time to really think about them and write down your answers.
Oh … and a quiet space where it’s just you and your freely-flowing thoughts works best for opening up that brain. So here we go …
Coach yourself exercise #1
- Make a list of 5 work-related things you love doing most, even if it’s a hobby.
- Now make a list of 5 skills / accomplishments you are proudest of.
- Make a list of 5 things you care about / value most (besides your family).
- Now think about work / projects / businesses that match you the most. Keep the ideas going!
Coach yourself exercise #2
Five years from today you are somewhere, very proud of a new project / business that you came up with all by yourself. It is a big success and you are very happy.
- What are you doing?
- Picture everything — where, what, how, with who, etc.
- See yourself happier than you’ve ever been, and see if even more ideas pop up.
Not only can this framework help you find new directions over time, but it can help give you a way to evaluate new projects / ideas that come your way now and in the future.
Next steps?
Think about your answers to both sets of questions from the exercises above. Now set some goals for yourself to explore the most interesting / tempting options — especially ones that call to your heart and spirit. Don’t be afraid to cast your net wide.
Once you start exploring, you may find some paths not as interesting as they first seem. And that’s an important part of the process. But also, if you really dig deep and talk to people and let your curiosity run wild, you may find (up to now) unknown doorways you never even imagined.
Oh … and to really career coach yourself, remember to congratulate yourself for even small wins. If you start to doubt or criticize, offer understanding and encouragement. And believe in yourself. Every great goal is reached climbing over hills and around obstacles — including emotional ones like doubt and fear that get in all our ways.
Have fun!
Looking for some personal coaching?
Career coaching by phone
More posts to help
How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!
Reasons You’re Thinking of Leaving Your Job
5 Workplace Fears That Limit Your Success
Emotional Boxes: Stuffing Your Feelings at Work
Do You Feel Invisible at Work?
Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?
When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace
I Can’t Stop Feeling Like a Failure
Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts
Are You Tired of Being Judged By Your Job?
Why Are You So Afraid To Ask for a Raise?
What Makes You Feel Fierce?
Add your thoughts!