An essential part of clarifying your next career steps is getting crystal clear on how you want to spend your time at work.
Think about it: there are 24 hours in a day, and most of us are awake for 16–18 of them. Nearly 9 of those waking hours are spent working. If you’re considering a career change or seeking greater satisfaction in your current role, here are four steps to help you determine how you truly want to spend your time:
1. Take stock of roles and responsibilities that energize or deplete you
Throughout your day, pay attention to what you’re doing—the roles, responsibilities, tasks, and activities. Notice which ones energize you and which ones drain your energy. For one week, jot down notes in your calendar or journal. Patterns will emerge that reveal what’s working for you and what isn’t.
2. Identify the skills that energize you
Every role or task involves a skill. Which skills do you enjoy using, and which ones leave you feeling burned out? By identifying these skills, you’ll gain insight into the activities that truly align with your strengths and preferences.
3. Pinpoint your underdeveloped skills
Are there skills you’ve enjoyed using in the past but aren’t currently using in your job? Or are there skills you’ve always wanted to try? Finding opportunities to develop these underutilized skills can be a game-changer. Reflect on previous roles and consider the skills you’d like to grow or bring back into your work life.
4. Take action on what you’ve learned
Can you adjust your current role to take on more of the responsibilities and skills you enjoy? If so, have a conversation with your supervisor or make the necessary changes to better align your work with your strengths. If adjustments aren’t possible, it might be time to explore other roles within your career path—or even a completely new career path that better suits your needs and interests.
If you’d like a deeper dive into discovering the best use of your time and skills or exploring career options that fit you, schedule a consultation here. We look forward to speaking with you!