Reflection + Action = Success
Volume 46
This week I’ve been conducting interviews for a peer mentor program I help manage. As I’ve talked to 20+ candidates over the course of the week, one thing jumps out: those who have been successful in their career thus far have extreme clarity around what they want to pursue in their career. They have clear goals, clear connections between where they have been and where they want to go, and a clear understanding of the steps it takes to get there.
They can identify their key values, know how to leverage their unique strengths, and can paint a compelling vision of their future. This clarity came from a conscious investment in themselves. These candidates took the time to solidify these non-negotiables, even in the midst of a challenging job search.
Reflection can be challenging for folks. It requires doing things that are uncomfortable for many, including pausing and taking a clear-eyed look at what’s important to them, how they’ve been successful, what they’ve done in their careers thus far, and where they want to go. (Pssst…If you need some help on that front, get my free workbook to help you with understanding your values, clarifying your strengths, and setting a vision here).
But the clarity that comes from this reflection helps jobseekers in so many ways. More confidence in their chosen path. Less time wasted going down paths that aren’t a great fit. More focused preparation and research.
So, is that it? Taking a purposeful pause is enough to crack the code on the job search?
Ah, but were it that simple. Clarity alone isn’t enough. After all, I might have clear goals to be an astronaut (shoutout, Artemis II!), but if I don’t have the skills, relationships, or confidence to get there, I won’t make it.
And, frankly, this is sometimes where people get stuck. They think about what they want. They do the research. They reflect on what they can bring to the table. But they fail to take the next step.
The other half of the equation is action. Taking action is where you gain the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to be a compelling candidate.
It’s applying the lessons learned from your reflection to take tangible steps to go get what you want. It’s navigating the fear of reaching out to strangers to build advocacy. It’s the risk of producing something of value to show them how you would contribute to the team.
Every action you take, especially the uncomfortable action where it feels like you are taking a risk, is where learning happens. Mindful actions, over time, compound, giving candidates the fuel to achieve the goals they set out in that reflective phase. It allows them to move faster and more effortlessly.
You need both reflection and action.
Reflection without action is impotence.
Action without reflection is reckless.
The best candidates for roles, whether for a peer mentoring program or a job, marry both reflection and action. Invest the time in knowing what’s important to you and also in the purposeful actions necessary to achieve it to give yourself the best chance to succeed.