Ready to Identify Your Career Path? Ask Yourself These Key Questions Now.

[email protected]

If you’re like most managers and leaders, you spend so much time guiding your team’s growth that you rarely pause to consider your own—what skills you want to build and where you want your career to go. Without proactive reflection and action, you risk ending up somewhere you don’t want to be.

Yes, this may feel like one more thing to do in an already busy life—but it’s the right thing to do. By taking charge of your path, you’ll find deeper meaning and fulfillment in both your career and your life.

You may be thinking, ‘Where do I start? There are so many options, and I’m not sure which one is right for me.’”

Here’s the secret: you don’t need to figure it all out at once. Start by asking the right questions, setting a small exploratory goal, and taking action. Whether you’re aiming for a big promotion or simply want more joy in your work, these steps will help you identify your career path and start moving toward it.

Start by scheduling 30 minutes for quiet time.

“Why quiet time? It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your mind and heart. Once you’ve made an appointment with yourself, take a simple 10-minute break—do anything that refreshes you, as long as it’s not work: stretch, step outside and feel the sun, or enjoy a coffee.”

Discover Your Strengths and Interests

First, get curious about what lights you up and where you shine. Ask yourself:

What am I best at, and why?
When do I lose track of time because I’m “in the zone”?
What gives me the biggest sense of accomplishment?
What skills or strengths am I not using enough right now?
If I could do anything right now, what would it be?

Pro Tip: Don’t just rely on your own perspective. Ask trusted colleagues and friends:

“What strengths do you see in me?”
“Where have you seen me excel?”
“What would help me grow even more?”

Set a Goal — Even a “Test Drive” Goal

You don’t need a perfect 10-year plan. Start with an exploratory goal to point you in the right direction. Ask yourself:

Where do I want to be in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?
What skills could I apply in new ways?
Who’s doing work I admire, and why?

Example: “Over the next 3 months, I’ll have coffee with someone in marketing, sales, and HR to learn about their work.”

Create Your Career Action Plan

Now, turn your goal into doable steps:

What’s the very first thing I should do? What comes next?
How long will it take to get there?
What skills do I need to strengthen?
What obstacles might I face, and how can I prepare?
Who can help me — and who do I need to know?

Ask yourself: Who could be my accountability partner—someone I can check in with regularly to share progress and tackle challenges?

Think of your plan as a GPS — it may reroute along the way, but it keeps you moving forward.

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Your career path isn’t a straight road — it’s more like a choose-your-own-adventure for growth. By asking the right questions, setting exploratory goals, and building a clear plan, you’ll move from uncertainty to confidence — and maybe even have some fun along the way.

If you are ready to improve your skills and career, explore FranklinCovey Academy. As the world’s most trusted leadership company, FranklinCovey Academy delivers learning you can use immediately—for real impact. You’ll even get personal coaching to guide your learning, and keep you on track. Take charge of your path—don’t wait to create the career and life you aspire to.