Take the Next Step — Your Way, Your Pace

Before We Begin: Look How Far You’ve Come

In Chapter 1, you paused long enough to look inward and unlock your potential.

You named your strengths—maybe for the first time in years.

In Chapter 2, you created a vision of your ideal career.

Whether that looked like a full vision board or just a quiet knowing, you gave shape to the kind of life you’d like to build.

And now here you are: standing at the edge of “what if,” with your feet still firmly planted in real life.

This chapter is about gently moving forward—at a pace that honours your nervous system, your responsibilities and your healing.

Step 1: Start Where You Are (Not Where You Think You Should Be)

You don’t need a perfect plan.

You don’t need to be “ready.”

You just need to begin.

Ask yourself:

• What part of my vision feels the most alive right now?

• What do I feel curious about?

• What’s one action I can take from where I’m standing today?

  
  

Your first step might be:

• Looking up a free course or podcast

• Making a phone call

• Writing down your dream job—even if it feels far off

• Talking to someone about how they got started

  
  

Even considering it is progress.

Step 2: Break It Down by Quarters (Not Chaos)

Here’s something you might find helpful: Split the year into quarters—four manageable chunks that let you pace yourself without pressure.

Think of the year like this:

• Quarter 1: January – March

• Quarter 2: April – June

• Quarter 3: July – September

• Quarter 4: October – December

  
  

Instead of trying to do everything all at once, you can spread your goals out.

Or if you’ve got the energy, stack a few actions in each quarter and move at your own speed.

💡 Gentle reminder:

• You can put more than one goal or task in each quarter.

• You can go faster or slower depending on your life.

• You can use this system for other areas too—like personal goals, family planning, or self-care.

  
  

• You can even use this idea to break your day into quarters (morning, midday, afternoon, evening)—this is known as time blocking and it works wonders if your energy is all over the place.

  
  

This isn't a strict system.

And you get to decide how to use it.

💡 Example – Starting a Cleaning Business

Quarter 1: January – March

• Research local cleaning businesses and how they got started

• Watch free YouTube videos or read beginner guides

• List the services you’d like to offer (domestic? office? deep cleans?)

• Price up equipment and materials you’ll need

• Choose a name for your business (even if it’s temporary!)

  
  

Quarter 2: April – June

• Do free or discounted cleans for friends/family in exchange for testimonials

• Register as self-employed (or look into this step if you're unsure)

• Make flyers or a simple Canva logo

• Set up a basic social media page or WhatsApp flyer

• Ask around in your community to see if anyone is hiring or needs help

  
  

Quarter 3: July – September

• Start charging standard rates and managing a real client schedule

• Buy branded t-shirts or aprons if you want to look more official

• Track your income/expenses in a simple notebook or spreadsheet

• Ask for reviews and build a "proof folder" of your best work

• Offer package deals or referrals

  
  

Quarter 4: October – December

• Evaluate what’s working and what’s not

• Raise your prices or set new terms based on experience

• Join a local networking group (in person or online)

• Plan how you want to grow next year: staff? niche service? more equipment?

Breaking it down like this makes even the biggest dream feel doable—and helps you stay calm in the chaos.

Step 3: Turn It Into Mini-Games (Your Brain Will Thank You)

Career planning can feel heavy. So let’s make it lighter.

Instead of forcing yourself through big tasks, treat each one like a mini-game.

Short, simple missions that help you build momentum.

You don’t need a perfect plan—you just need to stay gently engaged.

🎮 Try These Mini-Games:

• The CV Challenge

  Update one section of your CV like it’s a character profile.

  Skills?

  Strengths?

  
  

  Think of it as upgrading your avatar.

  
  

• The Job Safari

  Set a timer for 15 minutes and go hunting for jobs—not to apply, just to see what’s out there.

  You’re collecting ideas, not committing.

  
  

• The Social Spy Mission

  Find three people doing what you want to do.

  On Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok—wherever you look.

  What are they up to?

  What do you notice?

  
  

• The 5-Minute Skill Builder

  Watch one short video or read one post that teaches you something new.

  Just five minutes.

  Jot down what you learned and move on.

  
  

• The Confidence Quest

  Ask someone close, “What’s something I’m good at?” Listen. Write it down.

  Keep it somewhere safe for low days.

  
  

These games aren’t about ticking boxes.

They’re about moving gently forward—without the burnout.

Step 4: Create a Soft Weekly Rhythm

Aim for one small step a week.

That’s all.

Tiny if needed.

• Use a sticky note, calendar, or app to log what you did

• Celebrate with tea, a walk, or 10 minutes of guilt-free joy

• Have a weekly check-in:

  • What did I try?

  • What worked?

  • What’s next?

    
    

Don’t turn this into pressure. Let it be rhythm.

Step 5: Find Fuel That Feeds You

Motivation can feel fragile, especially after trauma. That’s okay.

Surround yourself with small things that remind you why you're doing this:

• Uplifting podcasts or videos while you clean or cook

• Music that puts you in “main character” energy

• Notes to yourself: “You’re allowed to start again.”

• Reminders on your wall, mirror, or phone

  
  

Let your vision board or favourite quote live where you can see it. Even a glance can reset your day.

If You’ve Had a Tough Week (or Month)

You’re still not behind.

You’re breathing.

You’re here.

That’s not nothing—that’s everything.

If you need to shuffle your steps into a later quarter, do it without guilt.

Life happens.

Rest is part of the journey, not a detour from it.

Final Thought: Your Career Is a Container for Your Becoming

You’re not just looking for a job.

You’re creating a space that honours your growth, your value and your peace.

You don’t need to leap—you just need to lean.

Lean into your vision. Lean into your pace.

Lean into your right to want more.

You’ve made it this far.

Let’s keep going—one brave, beautiful quarter at a time.

Discover Your Ideal Career