How do you determine your career direction?
- Ilana Golan
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 19
If you’re trying to figure out where to go next, the first thing I’ll tell you is this: clarity comes from action, not just thinking about ideas and dreaming about results. Too many of us sit in “thinking mode” for months—sometimes years—waiting for the perfect idea to land in our lap. That’s not how progress works.
You start by identifying your must‑haves for the next year or two—your Square of Focus. Out of Finance, Growth, Impact, and Balance, choose the two that are critical for you right now. Your priorities will shift throughout your life, but right now you need to be intentional about what matters most. When your role is aligned with these must‑haves, you’re far more fulfilled. Misalignment always creates frustration, no matter the salary or title.
Then, uncover your Zone of Genius—the place where your skills, strengths, and passions align so perfectly that work doesn’t feel like work. Ask yourself:
When did I feel most alive and proud of what I was doing?
What do people come to me for advice about?
When have I consistently outperformed others without it draining me?
Once you know your must‑haves and Zone of Genius, you’ll see multiple possible paths. This is where you shift from “thinking” to “testing.” I use the 5‑5‑5 Rule: Spend 5 days researching and talking to people in one path, 5 weeks testing and committing to it publicly (updating your story, résumé, and LinkedIn), and 5 months going all‑in to make it happen.
This process turns confusion into clarity—and ensures your next move is not just a job, but the right leap for you.
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