A structured plan with clear goals helps break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, keeping you on track and motivated. Planning your exit ensures you’re not jumping ship without a lifeboat.

What are my non-negotiables or the absolute must-haves in my next chapter?

• Identify Core Desires: What are the core desires driving your transition? Financial independence? Creative freedom? Flexibility? Write them down and rank them.
• Set Boundaries: Decide what you won’t compromise on — whether that’s working hours, values alignment, or the type of work you want to do.
• Visualize Your Ideal Outcome: Create a vision board or use visualization techniques to imagine your future. What does success look and feel like? Remember, the clearer the vision, the easier it is to navigate toward it.

Identify Your Skills - What Do You Bring to the Table? List down the skills from your current or past roles and experiences that can be carried over to your new venture or career. Identify any gaps in your skills or knowledge that need to be addressed.

Leveraging your existing skills gives you a head start and can make the transition less intimidating. According to the World Economic Forum, over 50% of employees will need to upskill or reskill within the next 12-18 months due to industry changes. Knowing your strengths and where they apply is crucial.

• Skill Audit: Make a list of all your current skills. Get specific. Are you great at project management? An ace at public speaking? Tools like LinkedIn Skills Assessments can help identify strengths you might not have considered.
• Research Market Needs: Look at job postings or business opportunities in your desired field. What skills are in demand? Match those with your current skill set.
• Fill the Gaps: Identify any gaps between your skills and the market needs. Then, upskill accordingly. Whether it’s taking an online course or attending a workshop, make a plan to bridge those gaps.

Set Bite-Sized Goals — Make Your Big Dreams Manageable

According to author James Clear, tiny habits are the building blocks of any long-term change. It is therefore important to break your transition into bite-sized, actionable steps. This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about building momentum.

• Set Micro-Goals: Break down each goal into smaller steps. For example, instead of “Start a business,” you could have “Research market need,” “Draft a business plan,” “Launch a website,” etc.
• Measure Success: Define what success looks like at each stage. Set clear, measurable outcomes like “Secure three clients in the first three months” or “Complete an online certification by the end of the year.”
• Celebrate Wins: Don’t forget to celebrate every milestone, big or small. This keeps you motivated and reinforces the positive habit of moving forward.

Create a Timeline

A dream without a deadline is just a wish. Setting a timeline is crucial to keep you accountable and motivated. A Harvard Business Study revealed that setting specific goals increases productivity by up to 30%.

• Draft a 6-Month Plan: Start with a six-month plan with key milestones. For example, "By Month 3, I will have launched a blog" or "By Month 6, I will have replaced 50% of my current income."
• Include Contingencies: Expect the unexpected. Life happens. Build in extra time for unforeseen challenges and setbacks.
• Adjust as Needed: Be flexible. If you hit a roadblock, reassess and adjust the timeline without beating yourself up. The goal is progress, not perfection.