One small thing: action motivates action

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by your thoughts? I’m talking big, scary thoughts: “I want a different career, this isn’t for me” or “I need a career change, but I don’t know what to do next” or “I need a new job, I have no idea where to start” ... and because these ideas are so big, so complex, you get overwhelmed, shut down, avoid it, or sit in that ‘stuck’ feeling?

A coach might ask you… 

• Tell me more. 

• What’s this really about?

• What do you want out of your career?

• What do you want to change about your current situation?

• What do you enjoy about your current career/job/company?

• In your next step, what activities do you want to do more of? Less? E.g., spend more time with customers, synthesize product feedback, create marketing plans, etc. 

• What skills do you want to use or develop? E.g., executive-level presentations, financial analysis, negotiating agreements, etc. 

But one of my favorite questions to ask is: what’s one small thing you can do today?

Because moving into action - any action - is a way to motivate yourself. Taking one small step can shake the “stuck” feeling. It can inspire the next action, and the next. It takes huge, overwhelming ideas and makes them more manageable, more tangible. 

You might say to me, “but my overwhelm is overwhelmed.” So, here’s a few thought starters for for you to kick off your own brainstorm:

• Email 2 old managers asking them to reconnect

• Write down your top 3 skills you want to use in your next job

• Ask a trusted friend for tips to refresh your LinkedIn profile

• Choose one free course that inspires you and sign up

• Pick up a new book to read related to personal growth or career development

• Create a mood board of images that inspire you

Look, none of these ideas will land you at your dream job. They’re simple, and quick, on purpose. It’s about kickstarting your motivation and getting you moving out of that ‘stuck’ feeling. 

What’s the simplest thing you can do to get unstuck?