The first, most important step - a step that can take as long as you want it to, but that really shouldn't be rushed - is to give yourself time to explore. To reflect, to imagine, to experiment, and to take time to work out who you are and what's important to you.

You probably have a few ideas about what you'd like to do, or at least what you could do, instead of what you're currently doing. But those ideas are a function of where you are right now - both physically, in your current job role, and mentally, within your present comfort zone. They may not be a good fit for what you want from your life and career and, if you focus only on those options, you're missing a whole world of possibilities.

So, first, you want to expand your horizons and imagine all those possibilities. Dream big - and only then should you narrow down your options and get more practical. There's plenty of time to filter your ideas and work out what's feasible, but don't start limiting yourself before you've even begun.

This means taking the time to understand what's important to you and to create a vision for your career and business and how that fits into your personal lifestyle and priorities. This is the fun part! There are all sorts of exercises we can do to help you get clear on your values, your bigger purpose or 'why', the things you love doing, the things you're great at, the things you really care about…

These questions, from the philosophical down to the nitty-gritty detail, need to be explored before you turn your back on your current job and lifestyle and launch yourself into a new one.