Career goal setting is your initial plan and very first step for a rewarding and successful life. Rewarding, though subjective; depends on your definition on what rewarding may look and feel like. You may have initially thought of a goal at the start of your career and have a well-defined dream of where you’re going to precisely land.
Or, possibly, you’re already in the middle of your career, and you feel that you’re not making forward movement, or you doubt if you have selected the right career with the right organization.
Are any of these scenarios sounding recognizable to you? If so, this is a clear indication that setting a career goal with a strategic plan is in order. However before you start, be sure to outline what you want to materialize in your career. Therefore it’s critical to list all of your goals and dreams, and sketch a chart to see whether you are near or far from any of your objectives.
For some, setting career goals is no more than socially chatting about it with a few friends, for others setting career goals may look like sitting silently contemplating it, or perhaps feeling depressed and disappointed with an adult beverage. Nonetheless, the best way of creating your career goal is during your most productive hours of the day and this may differ for everyone. After all, what you are about to create is a career goal that will either outline pending catastrophe, or one that will produce endless rewards for your life.
Here are some suggestions on how you should get started.
- Be clear on what you want to be, do and have:
There’s nothing more annoying than a person trying to tell you something, yet you can’t understand what they’re talking about. The same goes for your inner-self. Being indecisive is both challenging and confusing therefore; feeding this habit will only be futile to your journey of searching for career goal answers.
The more detailed you are with your plans, the better. Instead of writing down “Own a nicer car in two years”, you will find that writing “Buy a Black Tesla Model S by September 2018” is more helpful. Do this in all aspects of defining your goals and dreams. Additionally, fire the negative committee that meets in your head before criticism of your goals becomes apparent. Just proceed to write your goals down.
- Articulate your plan:
The more you discuss your plan, the more self-motivation becomes your friend. If you want to chat about it with friends, do so. They will be able to help you make a decision or share ideas that may help propel you forward. Just remember, that it is ultimately your decision because it is YOUR life. Don’t let others decide for you.
- Come up with options:
You’ve got to have an alternative route for reaching your career goal. Sometimes, the road that you’ve decided to embark on is simply impassable at this time. But this should not deter you. Instead, try to look for every possible angle to promote your next move on your career path.
The most important thing you have to consider is that the process of attaining your career goal is a journey. When you are on a journey, you are open to almost everything, every stimulus, every possibility. Finally, don’t be connected to the outcome, for the result you desire may look a bit different then what you originally envisioned.
These suggestions will positively impact and enrich your experience! You can use all the information and life lessons you experience along the way to assess and re-assess your career goals. Remember, missteps will happen however; there is something additional that would help you more in your setting a career goal; learn to love and be patient with yourself. Remember, you’ve got greatness within YOU!
Published by: Lisa Morgan Mosley
- Served as a Landmark Education “Self Expression and Leadership” Coach
- Masters Degree: MAOM (Organizational Management)
- Sales/Marketing Leader in multi-industries: Consumer Goods, Logistics, Technology, Telecom, Wireless
- Personal Empowerment Expert
- Professional Development Expert
- Career Transition Expert
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