key moments

In the previous exercises, we explored our superpowers (what we’re naturally good at) and interests (things that light us up and give us energy). It’s important to recognise, however, that superpowers and interests don’t always develop in isolation. Instead, they’re often shaped by pivotal life experiences or what we call ‘key moments’.

Key moments are turning points in our lives - experiences that significantly shape who we are and influence the direction we take.

We’ve identified three types of key moments to reflect on:

  • Aha! moments: Realisations that shift your perspective or lead you to see the world in a new way

  • Intentional pivots: Deliberate choices to change course or pursue a new direction in life

  • Environmental happenstance: Circumstances beyond your control, such as losing a job or facing a major life challenge, that prompt a significant change

By understanding these key moments, you’ll start to see how your superpowers and interests have evolved and how they connect to form a map of your personal and professional journey.

The Exercise: key moments

This exercise is about understanding how challenges, choices, and breakthroughs have shaped your journey. By connecting your pivotal experiences with your superpowers and interests, you uncover patterns that reveal what truly drives and defines you.

Using the Key Moments template, create a map of key moments that have happened in your life.

500 word piece #4

Once you have completed the exercise above, choose one key moment and write about it. 

Prompting questions: 

  • What happened? What aha! moment or internal realisation did you have? Provide some information and context. 

  • How did it play out in your life? What changed? 

  • Does it reflect anything about your interests or superpowers? 

  • What might have happened if you chose differently?

  • Why is it meaningful to you now?

  • Consider how these moments can guide your next steps.

The Wrap up

This marks the end of the Mining Your Life Experiences exercises. Congratulations on making it this far!

These exercises were not about reinventing yourself but honoring the value of your unique story. Your past holds clues to your future. By exploring your hopes, fears, superpowers, and pivotal experiences, you’ve built a foundation for intentional growth. This work is not just practical; it is personal. It equips you to navigate career changes with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.

In the next set of exercises; Becoming the Expert, we will look at how to build credibility and position yourself as a trusted subject matter expert on your areas of interest. The aim is to build visibility so you can attract more of the opportunities you want.

The map you have created above is a tool to keep coming back to, in the next section we will use it as the inspiration for the topics you choose to write about.

Up Next: Becoming the Expert

MINING YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES Exercises