What next ?
As we approach the end of another academic year (yes, already!), there will be students trying to make their own decisions about “What’s next?” for the future.
Having a 17-year-old, we seem to move rapidly (far too rapidly as a Mum who is dreading the ‘empty nest’) through each cycle of making academic choices that may shape their future.
Whilst my coaching clients are typically Gen X rather than Gen Z, last year I did get asked for some advice from a parent for coaching ideas to help a confused 16-year-old decide on their A’ level choices.
It made me think about the importance of developing the skill of ‘self-coaching’. Developing the mindset and tools to overcome challenges is important whether you are 16,36 or 66!
Organisational psychologist Tasha Eurich has described ‘self-awareness’ as the skill most needed to be successful at work and Squiggly Career experts Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis’s advise that “Reflection, self-awareness, and continual learning are now career ‘must do’ rather than ‘nice to do’”
If you want to understand more about developing the mindset, skillset and toolkit you need to coach yourself then their book ‘You Coach You’ is a great place to start as it’s filled with many practical exercises.
I wasn’t coaching this teen, so I don’t know the reasons behind their confusion which could have been:
· Lack of self-knowledge about what they want and need?
· Having too many choices?
· Lack of confidence in their choice? Being worried about making the wrong choice?
· Feeling under pressure to make a particular choice from others (friends, teachers, family)?
· Concern about fitting in with others (the choices other people are making)?
· Fear of….? Maybe this is feeling worried about the ability to succeed? Fear of not having a clear goal or plan? Fear about a new environment? Fear about the teaching or what’s included in the course?
When using exercises with my own clients, it’s very important to me that these are appropriate to their goals and needs, but a few simple ones came to mind when I was asked about this situation which could help to build greater self-knowledge.
1) Create a timeline:
Think about your whole school ‘life history’. At what stages did you feel happy and satisfied and what stage did you find it hard or difficult? What were the reasons when things were going really well or the reasons when you felt unhappy? For example, maybe you were moving home or school, changing courses, or achieving something you were really proud of.
What themes or patterns does this timeline show that might help you to understand what would provide you with the most happiness in your next stage of study or work?
2) Reflect on what gives you satisfaction:
You could think about all the subjects you have previously studied. For each one, describe what elements you liked or disliked. For example, this might be the teaching style; the coursework element; the workload; the exam style; the other students.
From there you can reflect on what elements of any subject or course would best meet your top satisfiers.
3) Think about what you really enjoy:
Complete the statement “I am someone who enjoys….” At least 20 times. Tip: These can be small things you enjoy. You won’t be judged on them.
Then spend some time reflecting on whether there are any themes or patterns to your answers. How might these relate to your options and choices?
4) Consider what really interests you:
Consider all your wider interests. For example, what do you do in your spare time? Who and what subjects do you follow on social media? How could these relate to your decision.
5) Understand your strengths:
It can often be hard to identify our own strengths and natural talents by ourselves. So sometimes it is helpful to get some feedback from others.
A simple way of doing this is to ask at least 3 people who have a different relationship with you “What three words would you use to describe my strengths and talents?”.
You can reflect on whether these words are different from the ones you would use to describe your own strengths. Which next steps would make the best use of your strengths and talents?
6) Ask for help when you need it:
The power of these simple exercises often comes from the coaching discussion that follows the self-reflection work. Even with well-practiced self-coaching skills, it’s also important to know when to ask for help when you need it.
You may find it helpful to talk through your thoughts on any self-reflection exercises with a good listener. Someone whom you trust, who can ask you insightful questions whilst giving you the time and space to think.
Colleges and schools also have a wealth of practical information about A’ Levels and other options.
If you want to consider where A’ Levels could lead next, then two helpful resources are:
· Choose the Right A’ Levels: The A-Z Subject Guide - Ray Le Tarouilly
· The Uni Guide tool ‘A’ Level explorer’: https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/exploratory-widgets/a-level-explorer
Good Luck!
Image credit: Team leverage edu.