Seize the Summer: Find Clarity, Land Your Dream Job By Fall

Can you believe it's already summer? The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the possibilities seem endless. If you're a corporate professional who's had enough of your current job and is itching for a change, this summer might be the turning point you've been waiting for. In this blog post, we'll dive into three essential steps to help you make the most of this season and get you closer to landing your dream job by the end of the year. So, grab your sunglasses, and let's get started!

Now that you're ready to make the most of summer and embark on a transformative career journey, let's dive into the three essential steps that will guide you toward finding clarity and landing your dream job by the end of the year. By embracing summer reflection, leveraging learning opportunities, and creating a solid action plan, you'll set yourself up for success and position yourself ahead of the competition. So, let's explore each step in detail and discover how you can make this summer your launching pad for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Step 1: Embrace Summer Reflection for Career Clarity

Summer offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, relax, and introspect. Take advantage of this season to slow down. Find your peaceful space: Seek out a comfortable and tranquil environment that allows you to unwind and connect with your thoughts. Whether it's a quiet park, a cozy corner in your backyard, or a favorite spot by the beach, choose a place where you can feel at ease and be present. Consider the following suggestions to facilitate your self-reflection:

Engage in self-expression: Give yourself the freedom to explore your thoughts and emotions. Consider writing in a journal, jotting down your reflections, or engaging in creative activities that allow you to express yourself. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk or engage in activities that help clear your mind and provide clarity. Often, new ideas can come through when you let your guard down.

Ask yourself meaningful questions: Pose thought-provoking questions to explore your career aspirations and desires. Here are some examples to guide your reflection:

• What aspects of my current job do I genuinely love and find fulfilling?
• What activities or responsibilities make me feel a sense of purpose and meaning?
• What elements are missing in my current job?

By answering these questions honestly, you can gain valuable insights into your preferences, passions, and values, guiding you toward the right career path.

Remember, summer reflection is an invaluable opportunity to discover what truly resonates with you and clarify your career aspirations. Embrace the stillness, create a peaceful space for introspection, and allow your thoughts to guide you toward a fulfilling career journey.

Step 2: Leverage Summer Learning to Sharpen Your Skills

Soak up the sun and boost your career this summer. It's the perfect time to learn new skills that align with your goals. First, get clear on your career aspirations. Are you seeking a promotion or a complete career shift? Knowing this helps you prioritize your learning investments.

For example, one client, Peter (a C-suite executive), used his summer break to explore before a job search. He took bartending, improv, painting, and even product development courses. While not directly related to his next role, these classes kept him engaged and fueled his love of learning.

What will YOU learn?

Do you want to hone existing skills or explore a new passion? Once you decide, consider these learning options:

Online Courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer a wealth of courses relevant to various fields. Brush up on existing skills or delve into new areas. Remember, staying on top of trends is crucial! For instance, Artificial Intelligence is impacting everyone, from photographers to financial advisors. Upskilling in this area can give you a competitive edge.

Books, Podcasts & Industry Reads: Dive into industry-specific books and podcasts to gain insights and stay updated. Industry publications offer case studies and valuable information to inform your decisions. Many clients dream of becoming their boss or starting a side hustle. I listen to podcasts like "Online Marketing with Amy Porterfield", "Niche Pursuits with Spencer Haws", and "Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn" to support them and brainstorm ideas for their businesses and side hustles.

What podcasts or publications pique your interest?

Learning expands your skillset and makes you a more attractive candidate. Invest in your development this summer and emerge with a competitive edge!

Step 3: Create Your Summer Action Plan

Feeling energized and armed with new knowledge? Let's put it to work! Craft a summer action plan with specific goals you want to achieve. Break these down into smaller, manageable steps for a focused journey. Here's how:

1. Define your goals:  What do you want to accomplish this summer? Whether it's mastering a new skill, building your network, or prepping for a career shift, get specific! Take inspiration from my client Kim, who dreamt of becoming an astrologer. Kim knew she couldn't leave her full-time job immediately, so we created a detailed plan. This plan included learning astrology skills, writing a business plan, and saving enough money to cover her first six months in business. We broke down her year plan, month by month, and week by week. Now, Kim has a clear roadmap and knows precisely what she needs to accomplish by the Fall Solstice. Remember: Your goals can be anything! This is your chance to make significant progress towards your dream career, no matter how unique it may seem.

2. Break it down: Don't be overwhelmed by large goals. Break them down into actionable tasks, weekly targets, or small milestones. This will make them more manageable and boost your chances of success.

3. Schedule dedicated time: Block out dedicated time each week for reflection, learning, and taking action toward your goals. Treat it as non-negotiable! Consistency is key, even just a few hours daily or specific days a week.

4. Expand your network: Go beyond traditional networking events. Network anywhere! Think art classes, poolside conversations (like my client Stephanie, who landed an interview!), tennis courts, or running clubs. Building connections can lead to valuable insights, guidance, and potential opportunities.

5. Stay motivated: Track your progress to stay accountable and motivated. Celebrate small wins along the way and adjust your plan if needed. Find inspiration through motivational podcasts, success stories, or supportive communities.

A well-crafted action plan keeps you focused on landing your dream job. Define your goals, break them down, schedule dedicated time, network actively, and stay motivated. With a clear plan, you'll make significant progress toward your career aspirations this summer!

Summer is more than just lazy beach days and BBQs. It's a golden opportunity to find clarity and make meaningful progress in your career journey. By embracing summer reflection, leveraging learning opportunities, and creating an action plan, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job by the end of the year.

Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. So, don't hesitate to book a Brainstorming Call and receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation. Let's make this summer your launching pad for a fulfilling and rewarding career!

Related Blogs:

Feeling Stuck? How Self-Reflection Can Ignite Your Dream Career 

How To Soul Search Before Your Job Search
 

P.S And, whenever you’re ready... here are four ways we can help you get unstuck and grow your purpose-driven career:

Watch a free Masterclass: Clarify the fastest path to land a more fulfilling and purposeful career & beyond. Identify any limiting beliefs and self-sabotage patterns so that you start creating an inspiring vision of your future dream career. Also, learn how to implement the 4-step game plan our clients use to create a career they look forward to every day and a solid plan to achieve it. Watch the free Masterclass. Watch it.

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