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# Introduction

The SWOT analysis that you completed at the end of Block 1 should have helped you to take stock of your current position. However, it is important for you to understand that the SWOT analysis is a ‘living document’. You should revisit it regularly to see what, if anything, has changed.

The next step is to focus more on the future, recognise what’s important to you and what you want from life as a whole. In this block you’ll look at your values, identify the kind of work that might interest you and learn how to explore your options, refine your ideas and make choices. This doesn’t mean that you can achieve everything you wish for, as restrictions of one kind or another will limit everyone’s range of choice. At this stage, however, it is important not to focus too much on restrictions that may narrow the scope of your ambitions. You’ll get some advice on making decisions and setting realistic goals in Block 3.

Here’s a video to introduce this block:

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Transcript

## Activity 1

Allow about 15 minutes

There are a couple of reasons why you may want to take another look at your SWOT results. It may be some time since you completed the SWOT analysis at the end of Block 1, and lots of things may have changed. For example, you may have addressed some of your weaknesses, or some of the threats might have disappeared. If anything has changed, amend your SWOT results to reflect the current position.

However, even if you have recently completed your SWOT analysis and it’s still fresh in your mind, just take a few minutes to review it before you start Block 2. Ask yourself questions such as:

- Is there anything in the results that I’d like to change?
- What are my priorities in terms of addressing weaknesses and dealing with threats?
- What are my priorities in terms of building on my strengths and seizing opportunities?

Once you are happy with the results of your SWOT and have noted down any priorities, you have a sound basis on which to move forward.

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OpenLearn - Planning a better future
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