A self-coaching exercise for when something in your work or life feels stuck. Five short stages take you from naming the problem to a plan you can start tomorrow.
Each stage you complete opens a lock. Open all five and your personal plan is ready to keep.
There are no wrong answers. Your first thoughts are usually the truest ones. About 15 minutes.
Where are you in your leadership journey?
Choose one to begin.
STAGE 1 OF 5
Choose one specific area of your life or career you want to improve. You'll name it, flip it, and frame it.
IDENTIFY
1 of 3
What's the problem, and what is it costing you?
"I have too many meetings at work and it's draining."
IDENTIFY
2 of 3
Now say the opposite. Where is the opportunity hiding inside that problem?
"I have an opportunity to change how I work."
IDENTIFY
3 of 3
Turn the flip into the outcome you want.
"I want to be energized by my workday."
STAGE 2 OF 5
Connect the change to who you are. Three quick reflections.
IDENTITY
1 of 3
Why is this important? Why does it matter so much to you?
"When I'm drained, I don't show up as the leader or the parent I want to be."
IDENTITY
2 of 3
Recall a time you thrived in this area, or watched someone else thrive. What can you learn from that example?
"On the redesign project we only met when there was a decision to make. I did my best work that quarter."
IDENTITY
3 of 3
Who do you want to be as you take this on? Which values, strengths, or principles will you carry forward?
"My calm and my focus. I want to protect the conditions where I do my best thinking."
STAGE 3 OF 5
You wake from a deep sleep one year from now. Everything you could have imagined around this outcome has come true. What are you seeing, hearing, and feeling?
IMAGINE
Capture up to three images of that future
"I'm seeing whole mornings blocked for deep work, and a team that runs its own huddles."
Add at least one possibility to continue.
STAGE 4 OF 5
Turn your vision into strategy. Get curious.
INNOVATE
1 of 2
INNOVATE
2 of 2
Two minutes. As many ideas as you can. No editing, no judging.
"I could decline any meeting that has no agenda."
STAGE 5 OF 5
Bring your future to life. Small steps, starting now.
IMPLEMENT
1 of 2
What 2 or 3 steps could you take in the next 30 days to bring your future to life?
"Audit my recurring meetings and cancel two."
IMPLEMENT
2 of 2
What's the very first thing you could do?
"Block Friday morning as a no-meeting zone."
Add your details as you'd like them to appear on your plan.