When To Leave - Part 2
5 STEPS FOR EXIT PREP
So you want to make your grand Exit, but can't do it right away - Now What?
A few years ago, I sat in front of a "coach" to get some direction. I had a good job with a substantial salary and tons of perks, but I just didn't feel fulfilled. She had me write a list of things I felt passionate about. Good start. But when she looked at my list, she let out a condescending huff, "You're all over the place!" First red flag. Then she asked me where I saw myself in five years. To which I responded, "I want to do what you do - I want to coach people for a living." This produced a snarky eye-roll that told me, "Fat Chance!" I didn't even finish out the coaching package I had paid her for. She made me feel like finding my vision and exit plan was a lost cause. My heart sank into despair.
One year later, I figured out my vision. I did want to be a coach! What did she know?! I just didn't know how to leave my cushy corporate job to do that or even where to start.
Then, one brief and cathartic conversation with a professional speaker/coach I met at a convention solidified my vision. She did not dismiss me when I asked, "How do I do what you do?" She pulled up a chair and said, "Write this down-" And she proceeded to lay out the exact steps I would take to achieve my dream. Two years later, with the help of an effective coach, I managed to establish and grow my own Speaker/Coaching business, SavHill Consulting LLC, despite a world-wide pandemic!
You want to make an exit, but not sure where to or how. Maybe you have an idea but just can't afford to make a drastic move just yet. It's ok if it takes some time. Here is what you can do:
VOLAR -
1- Vision - Clarify your Vision
What fuels you? What skills do you have or can go out and acquire that you would like to apply to a fulfilling career? What is your next step? Write it out in 3D - what would that look like, feel like, afford you. The vision is what propels us past roadblocks and adversity. Make it crystal clear so you know what the exact desired destination is. I sometimes spend quite a bit of time on this step alone with my coaching clients, whether it be for promotion or transition. This step is the foundation upon which all others will hinge. Be patient and thorough.
2- Opportunities - Learn, Seek, Create
Research what opportunities fall into that vision. What can you do with that passion and skill set. I had no clue there was a whole wide world open to me as a coach and speaker until I researched and asked questions to those who were doing it. Schedule coffee chats with people who may be in the position you are interested in. Look up job descriptions with the type of work you would love to do. Learn about, seek out or create the opportunities. In my case, I started my own business and couldn't be happier!
3- Lean on your resources
Educate yourself as quickly as possible using every resource available. Ask the experts. Ingest every book, blog and podcast about the subject you can. Start to build a network in the area you want to go into. Are there workshops or classes you can take to help you get closer to your vision? Find a coach or a mentor. Resources are abundant. You just have to first understand what your resources are and then learn how to leverage them effectively. Once you get this step down, you can then go on to the A in VOLAR -
4- Actualize A Plan
I use the word "actualize" because it infers Action! Take all your opportunities and resources and make a simple plan - Simple doesn't mean easy. What 3 things can you do in the next 3 months to help you get closer to your vision? What actions will you execute in order to get traction towards you goal? Map it out. Then do what you set out to do. The simpler and more focused the plan, the more likely it is to be executed. Break it down into strategic and powerful steps. Then find an accountability partner who can help you along the way by holding you accountable or motivating you. This can be a coach like myself, a mentor, colleague or friend. None of us makes it alone. Together we thrive!
5- Recalibrate When Necessary
Finally, be ok with shift happening. Plan for it! Think of any roadblocks that may come your way and how you will deal with them when they do. Set up a regular tracking system to check in and ensure you are moving forward. If you feel stuck, phone your accountability partner or call me! I am always happy to help.
Transitioning, exiting, or starting something completely new can be scary. It should be. If it were too comfortable, it would not be worthwhile. You would find yourself in another state of wanting to get out all to soon. Take your time. Work the formula. Most importantly, know that the destination, however frightful the journey, will be full of joy and excitement! Let that be your fuel!
*To read Part 1, Click here - https://www.savhillconsulting.com/post/when-to-leave-part-1
**Based on Mitch Savoie Hill's inspiring and practical book:
VOLAR - How To Turn Roadblocks Into Runways To Success
Get your copy here - www.volarnow.com
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Mitch Savoie Hill is a Certified Professional Coach, TEDx Speaker, and author, as well as the CEO of SavHill Consulting LLC. With over 25 years of experience in Sales, Hospitality, Training and Leadership, she delivers engaging and energetic presentations as well as 1:1 coaching to help her clients clarify their vision, map out strategies and Stretch Their Horizons!
Need help achieving a BIG vision despite roadblocks?
Schedule a Consultation today -www.savhillconsulting.com