Your unique experiences and knowledge they account for about two-thirds of your total lifetime wealth, and the skills you have contribute nearly half of that value. However, most of us do not understand what we have done to add value in the jobs we have had throughout our lives.
In my work as a coach and consultant, I have seen people spend too much time asking Is this the right time for a pivot? And am I ready for it? instead of taking action.
If you’re craving a pivot, don’t get stuck thinking about purgatory. With this tool, you will discover that you are much more ready than you think and show others that you are ready to go full circle.
The exercise: 3 x 5 = 3
While it is valuable to audit your experiences in your current role, we must go back to the end. I can tell you what I learned from the jobs at 15 and 45 because I worked through an exercise I created called the 3 x 5 = 3. The exercise asks you to write 3 responses to 5 prompts, then summarize everything into 3 main takeaways.
First, write down every job you’ve ever had.
For each job, write down:
3️⃣ things you learned or experienced
3️⃣ projects you worked on or directed
3️⃣ skills you acquired
3️⃣ things you did well based on your learning, projects and skills
3️⃣ things you could have done better or differently based on the same
Once you’ve put together the full picture of your experiences, review your work and consider the full value you brought to the position. Summarize each job into 3️⃣ key contributions you made.
have confidence in your transferable skills
Smart companies and recruiters are pretty good at identifying transferable skillsand the 3 x 5 = 3 exercises can help you find yours on your own:
- Are you amazing at time management, no matter what you’re given?
- Have you been told that your EQ is off the charts?
- Are you a fierce prioritizer who sets an example for others?
You’re identifying skills that you’ve consistently performed well over the years, and you can use them to get your pitch spinning, where you want it to land.
His potential to pivot is high. And if he didn’t think about it beforehand, self-reflection and a few hours of reflection should build his confidence. Accept your value and you will find impact in what I like to call your best next.
For more tips on preparing for your pivot, check out Career pivot? You are more prepared than you think.
