From clarity to action: How to validate a career pivot step-by-step

In another article, I walked through how to find your “Mini Leap Zone.”

( View that here.)

It’s a simple exercise to figure out which career ideas are worth exploring next.

Your “Mini Leap Zone” sits at the intersection of:

• what excites you (Thrill)
• what you’re great at (Skill)
• and what people pay for (Bill)

It’s not your forever plan.

It’s just a strong, gut-checked signal of where to look next.

If you did the exercise, you landed on a few different career ideas.

Today, I’ll show you want to do with them.

 The Problem

Having an idea for your next career is one thing. Acting on it is another.

This is where most people get stuck.

You narrow it down…

Then you spiral.

• “What if it’s the wrong move?”
• “What if I change my mind later?”
• “What if I waste time and look stupid?”

The Big Small Thing

Pick one career idea from your “Mini Leap Zone.”

Then do this:

Rock. Chalk. Talk. Walk.

(Yes, it sounds like a cheer. Yes, it works.)

Here’s how it works:

1. Rock – What’s the thing you might want to try?

Choose one goal, path, or project. Something that sparks curiosity or excitement.

Example: Move into a people manager role by June 30, 2026.

2. Chalk – Write it down.

Not in a private journal you’ll never see again. Put it where you’ll see it. (I put sticky notes on my monitor.)

3. Talk – Say it out loud.

Mention it in conversation. Ask friends for ideas. Say, “I’m exploring ___. Know anyone I should talk to?”

Example: I told my manager and two mentors, so they could be on the lookout for open roles.

4. Walk – What’s one baby step you could take this week?

Is there a free online class you can take? Can you send a DM to a friend who does what you want to do? Schedule a research call or post about this on LinkedIn?

Example: I spent 30 min scheduling 6 coffee chats with hiring managers on teams that were growing.

Don’t overthink it. Just walk.

You don’t have to map the next 10 years.

You just need to try something.

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

You don’t find your next step by thinking harder.

You find it by doing.

So if you’re sitting with a list of options that feel all over the place?

Pick one.

Rock.
Chalk.
Talk.
Walk.

See where it leads.