If you’ve seen my stories on Instagram the past few days, you know I’m in Vegas on a girls’ trip to see the Backstreet Boys at The Sphere. 🎉 (Raise your hand if you grew up in the boy band era!)

So, while I’m OOO, I wanted to share something from my friend, Sam Sheppard. Sam’s mission is to “help over 1 million introverts break free from systemic bias that favours extroverts and get unbound.”

Her recent newsletter touches on something I talk about often in client sessions and workshops—creating an MVE (Minimum Viable Experiment)—but she takes the concept even further through her lens and examples, and I knew I had to share her note (with permission) with you too.

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The secret to figuring out what you really want from life.

Last week, we talked about clarity – and how it doesn’t arrive in a lightning bolt (if you missed it, you can read it here).

But here’s what I didn’t mention: even when you start building that clarity, the overwhelm doesn’t magically disappear. You’ve taken that first small step, but now you’re staring at a dozen possible paths, paralysed by the fear of choosing wrong.

For introverts especially, this in-between space can feel excruciating.

You want to move forward, but the thought of making the ‘wrong’ choice feels like wasted energy you simply don’t have.

I know this feels risky when you’re already running on empty. But staying stuck costs more energy than one small experiment.

This is where prototyping comes in.

Unbound Shift: you don’t need a plan. You need a test.

In the world of life design, a prototype isn’t a fully formed idea or five-year plan. It’s a way to explore a possibility before you commit to it.

Think of it as a micro-experiment. One that helps you gather real information about what energises you, what drains you, and what might be worth pursuing.

The goal of a prototype isn’t to succeed – it’s to learn: what lights you up. What feels clunky? What raises new questions?

So, what does prototyping actually look like?

There are three kinds of prototypes I recommend starting with, especially if you’re introverted, short on time, or feeling unsure.

Each one is designed to be small, low-risk, and real.

1. The Conversation Prototype

Test a possible path by speaking to someone who’s already doing it.

• Considering a career change? Talk to someone who made a similar shift after 35 and ask: “What did you wish you’d known beforehand?”
• Wondering about freelancing? Reach out to someone in your field who went independent: “What surprised you most about working for yourself?”

Choose someone whose energy you find calming rather than draining. A 20-minute chat often tells you more than hours of research.

You’re not asking for a job. You’re gathering insight and noticing how your body responds to what you hear.

2. The Experience Prototype

Try on a version of the life you’re considering – without blowing up your current one.

• Thinking about relocating? Spend a long weekend in a city you’re considering and work from there for a day.
• Wondering about freelancing? Take on one small project this month alongside your current role (free or paid).
• Curious about a different industry? Volunteer for a day or attend one networking event in that field.

This isn’t about dramatic life changes. It’s about small experiments that respect your need for processing time.

Look for what gives you energy…and what doesn’t.

3. The Creation Prototype

Make something small that brings your idea into the real world.

• Exploring writing? Write an article/ blog post about something you care about, even if you’re not publishing it online.
• Considering coaching or consulting? Offer to help one friend or colleague work through a challenge they’re facing.
• Thinking about teaching? Record a 10-minute voice note explaining one concept you’re passionate about.

Start with an audience of one. Your goal isn’t validation – it’s understanding how the act of creating feels in your body.

The aim here is expression, not perfection.

Unbound Step: design your own prototype.

This week, choose just one prototype.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and plan it. That’s it. No execution pressure. JUST planning.

Sometimes the act of designing the experiment teaches you as much as doing it.

Start with:

• a one-day experiment
• a 15-minute conversation
• or a small creative output you can reflect on

You’re not trying to prove anything. You’re gathering data. Because clarity doesn’t come from overthinking. It comes from trying.

And if your prototype feels awful? That’s valuable data too. You’re allowed to stop, pivot, or try something completely different.

Sometimes the most important thing a test teaches you is what you definitely don’t want (for me that’s anything that involves cold outreach or selling).

If you’re still stuck, ask yourself this: What’s one low-pressure way I could explore this idea, just for a day?

Then do that. That’s your prototype.

In your corner always,

Sam 💛

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So good, right?!

Sam and I met years ago working on a project supporting women and other under resourced professionals develop confidence in sharing their accomplishments, and I’m so glad we’ve stayed in touch. She’s doing incredible work. 

If you want more Sam in your life:

1. GET ALIGNED: with Life Unbound – a 14 day guided reset workbook to help you reconnect, realign and get clear on your next step so that you can design a life that energises, not exhausts, you. Check it out here.

2. GET CLEAR: One hour. One decision. A life that feels like yours again. Book a 60 minute Life Design Strategy Session and fast track reclaiming your life.​

3. GET INSPIRED: by reading her book, To Live, Not Exist and discover how she made living, not existing, her whole life philosophy. If you’re in the UK, grab it here. For my US friends, here is my US Amazon affiliate link. This book is a raw look at Sam’s thoughts as she travels alone around the world; it felt like being there with her.

Would you like to see more guest posts from people in my network? Let me know!

– Nicole