The key to resetting your career is right in front of you.

Much like almost anything else meaningful – exercise, eating healthy, meditating – you have to be intentional about planning self-reflection into your day.

Self-reflection is the key to career because guided reflection opens the door to self-awareness and understanding. When you know who you are you can align your career to that self-knowledge and find congruence. Congruence = happiness.

Exhaustion comes from being someone you’re not. The more you are required to step outside of your authentic self in your career the more likely you are to burn out. Don’t burn out. “Know thyself.”

There are three ways to make reflection happen:

1. Set a time. When will you reflect? Right when you wake up? When you go to bed? On your lunchbreak? While you exercise?

2. Set a place. Where is your sacred spot where you can clear your mind and really do the work of reflection? My home isn’t the place for this from 7am-8pm, but before 7am, during my commute, while working out at lunch, and after 8pm are GOLDEN.

3. Guide it. Don’t just sit there and think. You’ve got to aim the reflection. What should you reflect about? Here are three power questions to get you started:

a. What did you do this week that yielded the most energy?

b. When during the past five years have you been most congruent? Why?

c. If money were no object and you could do anything for a living, what would you do? Why that?

Lastly, reflection is easiest with someone else. Find someone who can take down some notes and ideas while you talk – a friend, spouse, partner, or coach. Reflecting through writing works for some, but others just need to freestyle while someone records. Do what works for you, but commit to doing something TODAY.
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The first thing stopping you from getting where you want to go may be developing self-awareness, and that’s low-hanging fruit. Start now.