Stepping Into Your Next Chapter

This year, Rachel and I wanted to do something different for our I Am Well goalsetting workshop. We’re going to focus on the most important form of storytelling: crafting the narrative of your life.

We will share very real stories from our lives, and help you understand your life as a series of chapters, so that you develop a sense of perspective about where you’re at. Of course, as always, we will share advice on goalsetting, and having a kickass 2026!

What You Will Learn:

• Understand your current chapter through a journey-of-becoming framework

• Reinterpret resistance and uncertainty as signs of growth

• Map the terrain of your challenges with clarity

• Recognise the strengths, values and inner resources you already carry

• Identify the allies and sources of support which are present in your life

• Set goals that feel aligned, doable and meaningful

• Anchor your next steps with calm, clarity and intention.

This work matters because many of the questions people bring into the workshop sound exactly like the ones I’ve been hearing lately in my teaching.

Questions like:

• “How do I know what my strengths are?”

• “Is 39 too late to start over?”

• “I feel lost at work. What am I missing?”

Here’s what I think.

In your 20s: your job is to collect dots

Most people in their 20s are trying to connect dots that don’t exist yet.

You simply haven’t lived enough life or work experiences for clear patterns to show up.

This is the phase to experiment:

• Try new roles, projects, and industries

• Notice what energises you and what drains you

• Pay attention to what people consistently compliment you on or envy you for

• Think about the hardest things you’ve been through. What helped you get through them?

The most important thing at this age is to have an experimental attitude. Be curious about everything. Say yes more often. Try things you’ve never done before. You have to collect the dots or you won’t be able to connect the dots.

In your late 30s to 40s: your experience has weight

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s, your experience is valuable, especially if you’re thinking of pivoting. The mistake people make at this stage is thinking they need to reinvent themselves from scratch if they want to make a career change. You don’t. It is about refining who you already are, sharpening your edge, doubling down on your strengths, and placing yourself in environments where your strengths are rewarded.

For example, if you are a teacher, you don’t just “teach”. You have skills in public speaking, facilitation, communication, conflict resolution, and managing multiple stakeholders.

Your network matters more than you think

No matter your age, this practical tip really works if you’re job hunting:
Your network is still the easiest way to find your next role.

The problem is, many people don’t know how to network with skill. Reaching out to everyone asking if they know of a job often puts pressure on the other person and doesn’t go very far.

A better approach is to start with your inner circle. Instead of asking for opportunities, ask for perspectives, and share that you’re exploring a new role. Explain what you’ve realised about your strengths and interests and outline a few paths you’re considering. Ask for their thoughts, especially if it’s someone whose career you respect.

This feels more natural because you’re inviting a conversation, not assigning someone a task. It also makes it easier for people to genuinely help you.

No matter your age, clarity comes from experience, reflection, and learning how to tell your story in a way others can understand.

If you’re looking for a bit more structure as you think about the year ahead, join Rachel and me for our Stepping Into Your Next Chapter Workshop. We’ll slow things down and create space for you to reflect on where you are and where you actually want to go.

Much love,

Crystal