How to set your inner GPS

by Jun 27, 2023

Set your inner GPS

When you don’t know what to do, learn how to set your inner GPS

 

I heard this quote from a colleague as she contemplated her future after a period of uncertainty and upheaval.

When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get quiet so you can hear the still, small voice—your inner GPS guiding you to true north.” Oprah Winfrey 

Far be it for me to challenge Ms Winfrey, but I don’t go along with that completely. Your inner GPS needs data and that requires some activity. The time to tap into your inner GPS is at the time you make a decision.

Learn how to set your inner GPS

Explore

This is the time to explore your options while you are doing the equivalent of treading water. This state is only sustainable for a while. You might be in a difficult professional situation, an abusive or loveless relationship, or have family, medical or financial challenges. But the pattern can be applied to most situations.

Anchor yourself: This means you have to firmly centre yourself which requires self-reflection around your goals, values, vision and priorities. Define your purpose and how you want to make a contribution. It may not be via a single route, but composed of many small actions. Set goals and create a plan to inform yourself.  Try to understand what’s holding you back and if it is a profound paralysing fear, seek professional help.

Worth a read: Develop self-awareness to build new habits – 3 Plus International

Research: You may have multiple options and that’s OK. Read, follow business trends, talk to people, network, and set up informational interviews.  This is just about accumulating knowledge to be well-informed when the time to make a decision comes.

 

inner GPS

Experiment

You can start testing the waters gently. If the uncertainty is around your professional future test the job search market. if you are looking for an internal change talk to your boss or HR business partner.

Surround yourself with people, books, and experiences that inspire and motivate you. Engage in continuous learning and seek out information related to your interests and goals. Expanding your knowledge broadens your perspective and equips you with valuable insights.

If the indecision centres on other issues which you can’t address with general knowledge in the public domain, such as health, finances, romantic relationships, parenting, and elder care –  again, seek professional input.

Evaluate

When you have pulled all this information together evaluate your options.  If you can take any decision based on your long-term goals, values, and vision that is the best course, but sometimes it’s not always possible. The “right now” decision will be a compromise and temporary marker until you can make the “right” or best one.

Setbacks can be opportunities for growth even though it may not seem like it at the time. Reflect on your experiences, identify lessons learned, and make adjustments accordingly.

Now is the time to pause. You have successfully re-calibrated your inner GPS with multiple data points. Get in tune with your emotions and process your options in a calm way, whatever works for you.

Only you know how long you can sustain this position. And if you find the decision isn’t the optimal one, note the reasons why and change course.

If you have professional challenges check out our NEW self-coaching digital learning programmes followed by a 1:1 personal career coaching session

 

 

 

Staff Writer: Career Contributor
3Plus welcomes any writers to join 3Plus as a Staff Writer. If you are an expert in Job Search, Career and Mentoring or just want to share your experiences, contact us! We would love to give you a voice!

Found that interesting?
Learn more about our services for building inclusive workplaces

Individual services

Only 50% of women create a career strategy. Make sure you are on the right side of that equation to reach your potential   

Corporate services

“Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.” — Jesse Jackson

Upcoming events

Events

📢New program: How to create inclusive job postings

In today's rapidly evolving world, it's essential for organisations to embrace diversity and inclusion. Organisations unconsciously communicate their company cultures and values in everything they do including their job postings. These can either attract or repel talent from a diverse range of backgrounds.

A crucial step in this process is ensuring that your job postings reflect these values. Our training program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to craft job descriptions that attract candidates from all backgrounds, eliminating bias and fostering an inclusive hiring process.

 

create inclusive job postings

Full programme details HERE

 

📢New Programme available with 3Plus International

“If you have a brain you have a bias” and nowhere is this more apparent than in our hiring processes.

The ‘How to Mitigate Bias in the Recruitment Process’ programme is designed to convey the serious nature of bias in the recruitment process with a focus on gender bias and the way it impacts both businesses and organisations, but in a way that is thought-provoking and engaging.

 

 

Full programme details HERE

Dates for the Diary

September 20th 2023  LinkedIn Live with Lisa Rangel  -12noon ET 1800 CET / 1700 GMT

September 28th 2023   Inclusive Leadership Practices to Scale your Business  - Corporate Online Event Empow’Her (Kering Group)

October 17th 2023  Parenting: A Looming HR Crisis. Unleash Paris Event Round Table

October 23rd 2023 Lead to Soar podcast recording with Michelle Redfern | Advancing Women

November 8th 2023  How to take the work out of networking for career success. Corporate Event European Commission Careers Day

November 14th 2023  How to Build your Circle of Success Corporate Event Engie Paris

Download and listen free podcasts

Latest Podcasts

Related articles