EngineerHer

As we wrap up 2025 and look toward 2026, many of us feel the pull to grow, improve, or pivot professionally. But deciding what to change – and how – can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever sat down with a blank page and thought, “Where do I even start?”, this post is for you.

Here’s a simple, structured process to help you clarify your next steps and design the changes you want to see in your career.

Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year

Before you plan forward, look back. Reflection gives you the data you need to make intentional decisions.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What went well in 2025?
• What achievements am I proud of?
• Where did I feel stuck, frustrated, or drained?
• Which projects or tasks gave me energy?

Take 15 minutes with a notebook and write freely. Patterns will emerge. And if 15 minutes isn’t enough, give yourself 15mins more. Give yourself some time to do this.

Yes, I appreciate what I’m saying, especially at this time of year!

Step 2: Define Your Desired Future

Now, imagine December 2026. What does your professional life look like?

Questions to explore:

• What skills, roles, or experiences do I want to have?
• How do I want to feel about my work – energized, confident, balanced?
• What would make me say, “This was a great year”?

Tip: Visualize your ideal workday. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you working with?

Step 3: Identify the Gap

Once you know where you want to go, identify what’s missing.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the gap between where I am now and where I want to be?
• Which habits, skills, or mindsets need to shift?
• What’s one area that would make the biggest difference if I changed it?

Step 4: Choose ONE Priority

Focus beats overwhelm. You can’t change everything at once – and you don’t need to.

Questions to narrow down:

• If I could only change one thing next year, what would it be?
• Why does this matter to me?

I know, you might have 10 things on a list to change. But give yourself some flexibility here. Put them in order of priority. What are the foundational tasks that you can’t progress without completing?

Step 5: Define Success Clearly

Vague goals lead to vague results. Be specific.

Instead of: “I want to be more visible as a technical leader.”
Try: “Speak at one industry conference and publish two technical papers by Q4.”

Ask yourself:

• What does success look like for this change?
• How will I measure it?
• What’s my timeline?

Step 6: Plan for Stakeholders and Support

Change doesn’t happen in isolation. Who needs to know? Who can help?

Questions to consider:

• Who needs to be informed—my manager, team, family?
• What support do I need?
• What will I say yes to—and what will I say no to?

Step 7: Commit and Track

Every change needs planning—whether it’s a simple reminder or a full roadmap.

For example, my recent journaling practice started because I was given a journal at a conference. That simple gift became the catalyst for change. I didn’t just put it on a shelf- I decided when, where, and how I would use it. My goal? A Monday-to-Friday habit, first thing in the morning. It’s not perfect yet, but having a clear plan makes it possible. (Yes, this is the same example I gave last week, but frankly, I’m shocked I’m still going with this and I’m feeling very proud of me right now!)

The same applies to career moves. Want to transition into management? Map out the skills you need, the projects that will showcase them, and the timeline for achieving them.

Your Call to Action

As you review 2025 and look ahead to 2026, ask yourself:

What’s one professional change you’re ready to own next year?

Write it down. Define the outcome. Identify your stakeholders. And start planning now—because if you want change, you have to change.