As professionals, we are skilled at writing plans and preparing strategies with SMART objectives in our work roles and everything else that goes with that. But here is what I am wondering: do we give time to developing a strategy for our own lives and careers?
by Ruby Bhattal
Without a long-term plan like a personal strategy, we may find ourselves on paths we did not consciously choose. We may follow opportunities that arise, take on roles that seem like logical next steps, and before we know it, years have passed without us asking the fundamental question: "Is this truly what I want? And where I need to be?"
Beyond career planning
Based on the coaching work I have done with coachees, I can understand why career coaching may be focused on preparing for interview, the next promotion or even a complete change of direction. From my own experience and I can say with confidence, it is also an opportunity to be so much more. You have an opportunity to develop your very own personal strategy, your own roadmap for personal and professional growth that considers all aspects of who you are, not just your professional identity.
A personal strategy which integrates your values, relationships, wellbeing, interests, strengths, and personal aspirations alongside your career goals. This approach enables you to consider powerful questions that go beyond traditional career planning.
A personal strategy can also function as your personal compass. Helping you filter decisions and spot opportunities with better alignment for you, especially when you are navigating complex change or times of adversity.
Why this matters?
We are living through unprecedented workforce transformations. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report (2025) highlights major shifts, from workforce reductions to entirely new job categories emerging. The need for both hard and soft skills is intensifying, and lifelong learning is not just nice to have - it is essential for survival.
In my view, everyone needs to invest time focusing on their learning, development, and growth on a continuous and consistent basis, with purpose. In our rapidly changing landscape across all sectors, professionals who understand themselves and can adapt while staying true to their core values are more likely to demonstrate resilience and thrive.
The power of holistic coaching
This is where coaching becomes invaluable. Collaborating with a coach helps you be mindful about how your professional and personal wellbeing influence each other. Coaching gives you time to think, I mean really think and explore how career decisions (within your control or outside of your control) may impact your whole life ecosystem.
Through powerful questions, coaching can help connect your choices to your broader values and life goals. Most importantly, this kind of coaching has the potential to help you shift from compartmentalised thinking to seeing your professional journey as part of a larger life narrative. You become the author of your story, creating a coherent, meaningful narrative rather than juggling disconnected chapters or simply reacting to external changes.
For example, rather than just asking "Should I take this promotion?" you might explore "How does this role align with my values? What impact will it have on my relationships and wellbeing? Does it move me closer to or further from my broader life vision?"
Your next step
In a world where the lines between personal and professional experiences are increasingly blurred, developing a well-crafted personal strategy that addresses your whole self might be an illuminating experience and investment for your future.
If you are curious about where you stand right now, you might like to engage in a mini audit using the 'Wheel of Life' tool. It is a simple and powerful way to assess different areas of your life and spot where you might want to focus your energy for better balance.
I also recommend finding quiet time, grabbing your favourite cuppa, maybe a notebook too and answering the following questions: What unique contribution can you make? How does your work connect to your broader life purpose? What do you do best? What brings you the most joy?
I hope you are feeling encouraged to reflect on my question at the beginning of this blog: 'What is your strategy for you?'
If you would like to explore this further, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me via www.rubybhattalcoaching.com.
Thanks for reading.
Ruby Bhattal is an experienced senior comms leader and coach.
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image via Ruby Bhattal
