There comes that time when many of us wonder if we should leave the “bench” whether it’s leaving a current role, switching industries, or even stepping away from a career altogether. The first step in making any big change is clarity. Without it, you might feel lost, unsure of where to go, and worse you may end up chasing every opportunity in sight, spreading yourself too thin.
Why Clarity Matters
Getting clarity isn’t about having all the answers right away. It’s about knowing yourself: your strengths, personal gifts, talents, and the things that naturally call to you. Understanding these core elements allows you to chart a clear path forward, so you’re not just running after any and every opportunity, but rather those that align with who you truly are.
This is the key to stepping into the next phase of your career (or life) with intention and purpose. Trust me, I’ve been there. When I knew it was time to explore new opportunities, I sat down with my trusty pen and paper, and I started writing. It was simple at first, but it gave me so much clarity.
My Personal Path to Clarity
Here’s exactly what I did:
Self-Reflection I wrote down everything I could do based on my:
- Skills: What am I good at?
- Natural talents: What do I do effortlessly, without much struggle?
- Experience: What have I learned over the years that can guide me?
- Connections: Who have I met along the way that can help or open doors for me?
Surprisingly, one of the things on my list was to become an On-Air Personality! Why? Well, I talk a lot, and I can go on and on about topics I know. But after some deeper reflection, I ruled it out. Why? Because I wanted more. I wanted fulfillment, I wanted to make an impact, and yes — I wanted to earn well too.
So, while it was an exciting idea, it wasn’t what I truly wanted. This process helped me understand what I wanted from my next step.
Steps to Attaining Clarity
If you’re feeling like it’s time to leave the bench but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a step-by-step process that helped me gain clarity, and it can help you too!
Step 1: Sit Down with Your Pen and Paper
Grab a notebook or open up a fresh doc on your device, and ask yourself the following questions:
Step 2: Make a List of Potential Opportunities
Once you’ve answered the questions, list out the different opportunities you feel drawn to. Don’t worry about whether they’re realistic yet. Just get them down on paper!
Step 3: Grade Yourself
Now that you have a list of potential opportunities, it’s time to assess them. This is where the magic happens! For each opportunity, grade yourself from 1 to 5 (where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest) in these areas:
Step 4: Analyze Your Results
After grading, add up your scores for each opportunity. This will help you see where your greatest strengths lie and what paths seem most aligned with who you are. It’s not always about getting the highest score but about understanding which opportunities resonate most with you and make sense for your unique situation.
A Few More Tips to Help You Gain Clarity:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Clarity is not something you force. It’s something you find by being honest with yourself.
- Be Open to Surprises: Sometimes, the things that make the most sense on paper aren’t what truly calls to your heart. Listen to both.
- Embrace Change: Leaving the bench is scary, but it’s also thrilling. Sometimes, you just need to take a step and trust the journey.
My Challenge to You
Will you try this exercise to gain clarity in your own life and career? Sit down, write out your skills, talents, and connections, and start grading yourself. Remember, it’s a process. It might not always work out as we plan, but it’s a great first step toward what could be.
Let me know how it goes for you! Remember: clarity is the first step toward the fulfilling and impactful future you desire. Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. Let’s walk this journey of clarity together!
Written with love,
Nancy
