Before you say what you want next, answer these 3 questions

This month I started a new tradition on LinkedIn called Failure Fridays. I post a failure every week so I can try to get to the learnings faster (aka stop losing sleep over them). AND to normalize failure and show the real work behind any successful person/business. Also for the commiseration. Everything feels less intense with a little commiseration.

My last post got some traction - it was about how you have to practice talking about yourself and what you want next at work. But a key component was missing from this. How do you even know what you want next?! That is what today’s newsletter is about.

The Situation

I’m trying to understand what actually energizes me so I can move toward a career path that feels aligned, especially now that my priorities have shifted. Most of my career progression has happened because opportunities came to me — expanded scope, mentors opening doors, roles evolving. I’ve never really had to intentionally define what I want next. Now I’m realizing I don’t quite know how to articulate it — or ask for it.

(From a Career Clarity Workshop participant before attending)

My Take

Clarity first. Everything else gets easier after that.

If you’re anything like me, you have approximately 2-3 million thoughts and possibilities about your career in your head at any given time.

Here are three questions we should all be asking ourselves to get clearer on what’s next. (I like to do this at least 2x per year or before my next career development convo).

1️⃣ What brings me energy at work?

What type of work gets you excited? Who do you work with that brings you energy? Under what circumstances do you thrive in?

This is often the clearest signal for what you should double down on.