Lasting Change Starts with Experiments
Use experiments to create lasting change in the Career Strategy Intensive.
I had an epiphany this week that I want to share with you:
My entire career has been built by experimenting.
Now you know me: I am not a risk-taker. I like getting the right answer (preferably on the first try). Being experimental – in any realm of my life – is not something I’m really ever comfortable with.
And yet, when I look back on the twists and turns of the first 15 years of my career (even before I started Wayfinders Collective), I can see it now so clearly:
I was experimenting.
Trying out different industries:
Nonprofit fundraising, corporate philanthropy, design and innovation, public service.
Trying out different roles:
Development director, cause marketing intern, community manager, innovation fellow, executive leader.
Even trying out different opportunities to learn:
Business school, social impact conferences, coach training, art classes, online courses.
At the time, I thought I just couldn’t pick a lane. In fact, I felt like I was flailing – and failing.
After all, what kind of person jumps from one field to another, one career to another? What kind of person doesn’t stick to a plan?
Now, as a leadership coach and workshop facilitator, I can see that all these experiments served a purpose. Many purposes, in fact.
Here’s why allowing yourself to experiment is the right choice – for your career, and your life:
It gets you into learning mode. Orienting around curiosity and experimentation means you feel less pressure to “get it right” on the first try.
It reduces the risk of making a big, costly mistake. Experimenting forces you to start small and iterate as you go.
It gets you to a better outcome. One that’s been achieved through thoughtful, informed action.
It increases your confidence and self-trust. Through this process, you demonstrate to yourself that you are capable, creative, and on your own side.
It’s counterintuitive, I know – especially for us perfectionists out there. And yet, as I’ve seen in my own experience and the experiences of my clients –
Experimentation is the smartest, fastest way to create a career and life you actually love.
Try This Out
If you’re anything like me, experimentation feels hard because we get into analysis paralysis, wondering which option or next step is the “right one.” We journal about our choices, we ask trusted people for advice, we research online forums, we may even hire a coach or mentor…
And don’t get me wrong – all of these are helpful and supportive when you’re making life change.
But experimentation doesn’t happen through thinking. It happens through action.
Think about a change you’re working toward in your life. Maybe you’re exploring a career pivot. Maybe you’re coming up with a new health routine.
Whatever it is, today I want you to take action.
Ask yourself: what is the smallest thing I could do today to move myself forward?
If you’re looking for a new job…
Send a networking email
Sign up for a webinar
Spend 10 minutes reading up on your dream company
If you’re getting healthy…
Look up a new recipe for dinner
Take a 5 minute walk
Drink a glass of water
It doesn’t have to be big. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Try something – anything! – and see what you learn.
What’s Next
I believe so strongly in the power of experiments that I’ve built my entire coaching practice around them.
If you’re ready to get serious about the change you want to make, I’d love to guide you.
The Career Strategy Intensive is a four-week career accelerator focused on designing small, intentional, and iterative experiments.
It’s a space where we don’t just talk about your future. We create it.
Ready to get started? I can’t wait to support you.
Onward,
