Self-reflection is nice. But we need to move faster. How do we tie this to action?

Oh boy,

Today's topic might hit home for some of you.

And if you are finding it tough to jot down your thoughts

Remember, it is often easier to talk it out.

Talk to a family, friend or mentor.

Yes, you can also message me.

Last week, we reflected on our experiences to uncover recurring themes.

Now, we will extract keywords or phrases that resonate.

These could be skills, passions, values, or types of work that repeatedly appear in your reflections.

For instance, in my own journey, "tax," "leadership dynamics," and "helping others" stood out as central themes.

But what if you are struggling to pinpoint those keywords?

It's totally normal.

Here's how to tackle this:

• Revisit your experiences​
  Look through your previous job roles, volunteer work, projects, or hobbies. Write down tasks or aspects you found most engaging or rewarding.
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• Look for patterns​
  Identify any recurring themes or activites that excite you. Note any challenges or achievements that particularly stand out.
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• Highlight emotions​
  Pay attention to any strong emotional reactions (could be either positive or negative) to your experiences. These emotions can be powerful indicators of what truly matters to you.
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• Categorize your notes​
  Group similar ideas or themes. This can help crystallize broader categories that may be your keywords.
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• Seek feedback​
  Discuss your findings with someone who can offer a fresh perspective. Sometimes, talking things through can help you see patterns you might have missed.
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  If you are stuck, I am here to help - some say I have a knack for this!
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And if you are still feeling stuck?

You might be overthinking this.

Take a break, then revisit your notes with fresh eyes.

Try experimenting with new activities or roles.

This can spark new passions and insights.

Once you have a clearer picture of your keywords,

We are ready for the next step.

We will explore how to use these keywords for effective career research and align your newly defined interests with potential career paths.

Stay tuned.

Let's prepared to dive deep into matching your passions with real-world opportunities.

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Get your keywords in,

Mary F