In our recent posts, we’ve been asking hard questions about career and work—trying to see whether a problem exists, what that problem really is, or, if no problem is lurking, to recognize and celebrate what is going well.
Today’s prompt is a two-step reflection:
“After confronting the truths about my career and uncovering the many layers involved, was that confrontation harmful—or did it finally let me see where I actually stand?”
If you can’t answer yet, circle back to the earlier questions and keep digging with radical honesty. Pinpointing the real issue is the first (and often biggest) step toward solving it. And if there is no issue—great! Seeing why you’re satisfied is just as valuable.
Question #1
“What can I do today about the gray areas—the parts of my career that don’t fully satisfy me? How can I be even one step better than yesterday?”
Your answer is completely personal. The core idea is simple: avoid slipping backward and commit to some form of growth. That growth might be:
- tackling more meaningful tasks,
- spending your time more intentionally,
- understanding your craft more deeply,
- learning fresh knowledge,
- brainstorming ways to improve processes,
- running projects with calmer professionalism,
- managing stress more effectively—regardless of workload.
Question #2
“Am I truly ready (and qualified) to make sustainable changes in my career—changes whose outcomes I’m willing to accept, whatever they may be?”
Feeling unprepared, unsure what to change, or afraid to disrupt your comfort zone is perfectly normal. Sometimes you just need more time and thought. Other times, reluctance masks fear of negative results.
If courage is missing, map out how you can earn it:
- List the skills you lack.
- Design a learning plan.
- Talk to mentors or domain experts.
- Reframe your perspective:
Yes, industry veterans have a head start, but they don’t have your unique background. Your past experience can transfer surprising value and fresh viewpoints.
Remember: no effort is wasted, and it’s never too late.
The Goal-Tracking Piece
A journey without checkpoints rarely hits its mark. Ask yourself:
- “What concrete changes will I start today?”
- “By when do I expect each one to be complete, and what results am I aiming for?”
- “How will I track the process—what milestones, metrics, or visible outputs will prove I’m moving forward?”
As an engineer-turned-project-manager, I live for tangible outputs. They keep motivation alive, especially when you’re drowning in new information or early failures. Without reference points, you’ll inevitably compare yourself to the veterans—feeling miles behind and missing everything you bring to the table.
Why We Often Feel “Not Enough”
- No clear reference for our own growth.
- Habitual comparisons with the very best—people who’ve been in the field for years.
- Inability to notice how our outside expertise fills gaps seasoned insiders don’t even see.
My favorite practical tip: keep a daily log. Jot down what you learned, read, tried, or fixed. After a single week you’ll be amazed at how many pages you’ve filled—and how much progress you’ve made.
Measuring Progress in Any Domain
Whether the goal is professional, psychological, or physical, nearly everything can be tracked:
- Set target dates.
- Schedule regular “review moments”—times you sit down, reflect, and adjust.
- Define the outputs you expect by each milestone.
- Record the journey—a daily log is quick and powerful.
Example (Job Hunt):
Goal: land a new position in 3 months.
Milestones:
- Week 2 → polished CV
- Week 3 → shortlist of target companies
- Month 2 → 20 applications sent
At every date, you clearly see which boxes are ticked and which still need work.
Example (Stress Reduction):
Goal: lower work-related anxiety.
Plan: daily meditation/run/swim; mood logged via emoji.
Review: count happy emojis each weekend.
Quick-Glance Template
| Step | Expected Output | Check-In Frequency | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action 1 | … | … | … |
| Action 2 | … | … | … |
| Action 3 | … | … | … |
Key Takeaways
- What actions will I take?
- What results do I expect?
- How often will I verify progress?
- By when should everything be done?
Keep the questions visible. Revisit them often. Then watch how small, honest steps compound into major change.
NOTE: To see the whole How to know yourself serial: How to know yourself – bahadirhancicek
How to know yourself, let’s start to journey – bahadirhancicek
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