You do not need to know every step. You just need to take the first one.

I am a planner at heart and have always wanted to know the answer before I take action, however, clarity rarely comes before we begin. It comes through trying, testing, exploring, and adjusting. Even messy progress gives us the lessons we need to move forward where it matters most. 

Clarity Comes Tchrough Action

When I first started exploring what I really wanted next in my career, I had no clear picture. I just knew I wanted to do something meaningful, opportunities to grow, more freedom, and more impact. But I had no idea what that actually looked like, and I found that so frustrating! 

So I gave myself permission to try things.

• I spent a year learning about property investment. That time taught me that while I wanted to build long-term wealth, I did not want to manage property day-to-day. That insight was gold.
• I became a trustee for a charity I cared deeply about. I loved being able to share my skills to support an organisation that makes a difference to people who need it most in the world. But I also realised I did not want to be a full-time nonprofit leader.

Every action I took leading with curiosity gave me more clarity. Not because I had a plan, but because I was willing to learn from it.

If you are stuck, it’s ok to figure it out as you go

When you start out, you do not need a five-year plan.
You do not need to know the exact job title or industry.
You do not need to have everything mapped out.

What you need is a place to start, curiosity, a willingness to explore. Here are a few steps you can take today to start taking action. 

4 Simple Steps to Build Career Clarity

If you feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed, try this:

1. List three things you are curious about
   The things that interest you, hobbies or careers that you are curious to explore. Don’t worry about what others think, you do you, and let the ideas flow. You wanted to be an architect when you were a child - great! You love dabbling in the garden - awesome! You love being around people - I love it!
   

2. Find one low-risk way to explore each one
   Take a course, shadow someone, join a group, attend a webinar, reach out to someone in that space already. Keep it light and exploratory. Choose just one of those ideas and give it a go this week. The clarity comes in the doing. You can fit it around your existing job to there is no risk, and it is also a great way to test if you can (and wan't to) start something on the side. 
   

3. Reflect on what it taught you
   What did you enjoy? What felt draining? What surprised you? Every experience reveals something useful. Think of it like an experiment, and journal your findings. It is ok to figure things out as you go, but it is important to take action.
   

4. Keep going
   Every step, especially the imperfect ones add to your understanding of what you want and what you do not. From here you can take targeted action where it matters, create an annual action plan, build your framework of accountability around you and make immense progress each year towards your big goals in your career and life. 

A past client of mine has been on an embroidery course whilst she works her regular job with a dream - and strategy - to do it full time.  Another has been studying for her degree in psychology whilst working a compressed work week (full time hours over 4 days rather than traditional 5) to prepare for a future where she can work for herself.  

They didn’t know what they wanted when they started, they explored, honed in on what matters most and now they know where they want to end up. Each year they are so much closer to thier goal. And you can be too through experimentation and action.

Still Not Sure Where to Start?

This is exactly why I created the Career Clarity Compass - a free, practical tool to help you assess where you are right now, uncover what matters most to you, and identify your most important next step.

It is simple and it will get you moving again - with clarity and confidence.

👉 Download it now and take that first step: Career Clarity Compass

You are allowed to figure it out as you go. Your path will become clear through walking it - not waiting for it.

Always with love,

Elsa x