- IDENTIFY YOUR DESTINATION:
Create a personal vision. Think big. What do you want to achieve in your career? What do you stand for? What will be your legacy? This is an opportunity to really think about the work you do. Does your work energize you or drain you? Do you want to sail the same routes or, or strike out for a "New World"?
- STUDY THE GEOGRAPHY:
Know where your industry is going. What are the major trends in your industry? What's on the horizon? What skills will you need to be most valuable?
- EVALUATE YOUR CURRENT EQUIPMENT:
Do a self assessment. This is not for sissies! Do you have what it takes to make it safely into your destination port? If you have an opportunity to do a 360 appraisal, this is a great time to do it. What are your real talents? Also, identify any developmental opportunities that may be available.
- CHART YOUR COURSE:
Create a plan with goals. Successful journeys begin by visualizing the destination. However, a vision without a plan is a hallucination. Start with measurable goals. Then identify some strategies for each goal. How will you get from where you are to where you want to be? Dare to imagine a perfect 10.
- GET SUPPLIES AND A FULL CREW:
Make sure you line up the right tools and resources to make the change successfully. Get the professional, emotional, and financial support you need, in advance. Find someone who knows the ropes: a role model, mentor, or coach. Be your own spin doc. Manage your own expectations, and manage your reputation.
- CHECK THE LIFE JACKETS:
Manage risks in advance. Sometimes the unforeseen happens. Figure out in advance how you will handle mid-course corrections. Leverage your learning through observation and reflection.
- CHECK TODAY'S WEATHER:
Pick your timing. When is the best time to embark? Sometimes procrastination makes sense. If you're in the middle of another crisis, it could be the worst or the best time to change course. Timing is, as they say, everything!
- SET SAIL!
Once you have everything in place, enjoy the adventure. Remember that life is a work in progress.
