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 a year from now, and it has all come true. Look around — what are you seeing, hearing, feeling?
IMAGINE
One year from now
Seeing — "Whole mornings blocked for deep work."
Hearing — "My team running their own huddles."
Feeling — "Calm at four o'clock instead of frantic."
Fill in whichever land. One is enough.
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?
"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."