Think back to one of the biggest career transitions you’ve made. How did you find the courage to move forward in the absence of guarantees it would all work out?

Over the years in my career coaching private practice, I’ve developed a three-level system of validation designed to lower risk and strengthen outstanding decision-making. Here’s how it works:

Level One: What You Know About Yourself

I interview my clients as we start our work together. I hold a space for my clients to uncover their inner wisdom and awareness. I listen to what is both said and unsaid—offering perspectives and observations that deepen the discussion. We explore their current situation (levels of job satisfaction, obstacles, and opportunities). We review employment history, educational background, strengths, dreams, special skills, family background, sources of motivation, and health.

Level Two: Self-Assessment

A well-executed career transition is built on a keen awareness of values, enjoyable skills, career-related interests, and the client’s temperament (or personality). I like to use Elevations for Career Choice and Career Change because it includes all four of these elements in an easy-to-use, affordable instrument. It produces an eight-page report we review together, synthesizing the information. The impact of the self-assessment process includes improved self-confidence, self-awareness, and clarity. Additionally, it provides a concrete path to identify career fields and functions, getting us much closer to a clear vision for the future.

Level Three: Research and Connection

At this point, themes begin to emerge. Perhaps teaching, strategic planning, and public speaking have come up in both the initial interview and in the self-assessment. This offers the client direction as they research career options and conduct informational interviews. Confidence and courage are bolstered as new information is uncovered. Other influential people can now help my clients identify job opportunities or help them launch their entrepreneurial endeavors.

If, by chance, you are reading this today and you are standing at the precipice of a major life or career transition, don’t beat yourself up if you feel paralyzed or stuck—that is normal. Allow yourself a period of introspection and then engage in the three levels of validation outlined above.