Hey Reader,
After I left Google, I did what any sensible person would do.
I planned my next move.
For six months, I researched. I mapped out possibilities. I created beautiful spreadsheets. I read endless books and articles about starting my own business.
I had vision boards, habit trackers, and detailed timelines for getting my life back on track and finally building my own thing.
And at the end of those six months? I was more stuck than when I started.
I'd left Google in a state of burnout and all the research and planning made me FEEL like I was making progress.
But it was an illusion.
Planning - especially for introverts - can become procrastination disguised as productivity. It feels like forward movement, but you're actually standing still. And the longer you plan, the scarier action becomes because now you've convinced yourself there's only one 'right' way forward.
And you already know what actually works.
Unbound Shift
The shift here is profound: move from planning your next step to prototyping it.
Plans assume you know what will work; prototypes assume you don't - and that's okay.
A prototype is a small, safe, experiment. It's designed to teach you something, not to be perfect.
And when you're rebuilding from empty, that's exactly what you need.
Instead of asking "What's my five-year plan?" ask "What's one small thing I could try this week that might give me useful information?"
The goal isn't to have all the answers before you start. It's to start before you have all the answers.
Because momentum creates clarity, not the other way around.
Unbound Step
This week, try a Planning Audit.
Look at your phone, computer, or anywhere you keep notes. Count how many:
- Articles you've bookmarked
- Books you've bought but not finished
- Pinterest boards about 'new life' you've created
- Screenshots of job postings you're 'considering'
Just count. Don't judge, don't clean up, don't act on any of it.
Then ask yourself: "How long have I been collecting this information?"
If the answer is more than a month, you're likely stuck in the planning trap.
The solution isn't more research. It's a completely different approach – one that creates momentum even when you're exhausted.
Speaking of experiments, I have updates!
Last week I got vulnerable and asked for your feedback, as I need to figure out a way to help my people AND make a living for myself.
You (collectively) told me that you want both introvert-specific strategies AND life design/ wellbeing content. And that this newsletter works as it is, so it won't be changing.
For my offers, I've realised they were a 'nice to have' and not solving a more urgent problem for my community.
But right now? So many of us aren't doing well. We're dealing with redundancies, burnout, relationship breakdowns, illness and life transitions. Real life upheavals that need more than gentle life design tweaks.
The problem I solve best is the one I've lived: how to rebuild when you're running on empty. How to create a roadmap for what's next when you can barely manage what's now.
So I'm launching something different: Breakthrough Strategy Calls specifically for introverts navigating major life transitions without burning out completely.
90 minutes. You leave with a clear, personalised, roadmap for your next steps – one that actually works with your energy levels and personality, not against them.
I'm looking for 3-6 beta testers at £97 (they'll be much more after beta) in exchange for honest feedback and a testimonial.
And as a valued subscriber, I'm giving you first dibs before I open them up to the public. I'm an ICF qualified coach and my corporate coaching for introverted leaders used to start at £525 an hour, so this is a literal steal!
If you're tired of planning and ready for a practical roadmap that you can actually follow, even when you're exhausted, this might be exactly what you need.
The difference between this and traditional coaching? I've lived through every major life upheaval you can imagine. My approach isn't about positive thinking or pushing through – it's about practical strategies that work when you're running on empty.
Because sometimes you need to stop planning your rebuild and start prototyping it.
In your corner always,
Sam 💛
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Sam Sheppard
Introvert Life Transition Strategist
I share practical tools to help you design a life that actually fits.
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