Most job seekers never take the time to define what they truly want from their next role. Instead, they rush into applications, hoping something will stick. This is the “career discovery” phase—your golden circle, your why. It’s about understanding what lights you up, what you jump out of bed for, and what your purpose is. These are tough questions, but they are essential. Skipping this step leads to wasted time and missed opportunities. The cost of not doing a self-inventory or clarifying your vision is that your job search becomes scattered and inefficient. Taking stock of your skills is a key part of this process. By getting clear on your direction, you set yourself up for a focused and effective search. Think of this as writing your playbook or creating your map before you set out on your journey.