During a career transition you have the opportunity to custom design a life of your choice. The path to accomplishing this includes clearly identifying your goals, setting a new direction, doing the homework and as I say, “getting really comfortable in your own skin”. As a Career Development Coach, I guide my clients in discovering who they really are and what is most important to them. Then, we co-create a specific action plan that accomplishes their desired results. The following seven coaching questions can assist you in gaining the most during your own career transition.

• What are your natural talents?
  These talents may pertain to various areas of your life including leadership skills, work style, social or mechanical ability, intellect or even emotional openness. What are your natural gifts?
  
• What talents do other people see in you?
  Often others can see your talents more clearly you can. What constructive feedback has your friends, family, previous managers, co-workers and even strangers given you?
  
• What are your interests and hobbies?
  What types of books do you own? What do you love to do in your spare time? Who do you spend your time with? If money weren’t a concern, what would you do to help others?
  
• What are you passionate about?
  What do you care about? What do you get angry about? What could you converse about for hours without tiring?
  
• What personal assets do you possess?
  This includes previous job experience, education, and training. It also includes life experiences and circumstances, personal contacts, equipment, space and other belongings. What do you know or have that gives you an advantage?
  
• What is your mission for this lifetime?
  Closely tied to passion this gives you a reason to live. It may result from a deeply held social belief, a traumatic life experience, a problem you’ve overcome or an injustice you want to change. If you died today what would you want to be remembered by?
  
• What are your values?
  What do you stand for? What is most important to you in your life? What are the core elements of your being?

By pondering these questions and journaling your answers you will begin to design a roadmap in creating a life and career that are customized and provide meaning, passion, and purpose. Don’t be afraid to take chances, ask for help and enjoy your journey of self-discovery!