A change of season, the new year, and even your birthday are all great times to sit down and think about where you’ve been, where you want to go, and how you’re going to get there. Sticking to long-term career goals can be highly challenging. Not only does it require patience and motivation, but it’s easy to lose sight of the final goal and give up. Here are a few tips that can help you stick to your career goals this year.
Review past progress and plan for the future
Before setting new career goals, it is crucial to determine what progress you have made in the past. Are you starting from square one, or have you already surpassed steppingstones that will get you to the position or salary you want? By analysing the past, any previous accomplishments can be noted. Then new career goals that build on those achievements can be prioritised to continue building momentum.
Think about the destination, not the journey
While some people would say that it’s important to set short, medium, and long term goals, this can be detrimental in terms of careers. That’s because the economy — and the workforce — is constantly changing. This can sometimes mean that you need to go off track a little bit to stay on your journey. It’s a bit like climbing a mountain — if you’re part of the way up and find your trail is closed off, do you head back down or do you choose another path? Another route will get you to the summit, but there just might be some different scenery!
Create a detailed and specific timeline
Taking the time to break out an overall career goal into milestones can help make tracking progress more straightforward. At this point, you will also want to ensure that any career goals or milestones that you are focusing on are quantifiable and realistic. With this roadmap available, you can ensure that you are in step with the career goals you have put in place. In addition to this, you will know what needs to be done to hit each milestone effectively.
Be consistent and persistent
Sustainable change requires two actions – changing your doing and changing your being. And the only way to change your being is to constantly change your doing. Next time you’re faced with a decision – big or small – make sure you choose the path that is consistent with your end goal.
Anticipate setbacks and failure
Most of us make resolutions without pausing to think through what might happen if we fail. Don’t get us wrong – we’re all for the glass-half-full-attitude – but if you face a bit of rejection that you aren’t expecting, it could throw you totally off course. Don’t be pessimistic, but try to evaluate what obstacles you might face in trying to reach your career goals. This way you’ll be better prepared to react appropriately if something does thwart your progress.
Have an accountability partner
Share your goals with someone you trust, and make sure they can help keep you accountable. Sharing your goals someone not only helps solidify your plans but also gives those you share with the opportunity to help or enforce accountability. Achieving your career goals can be far more challenging without this support system.
By incorporating these secrets of goal setting, you’re laying all the right foundations to get yourself closer to your career goals – now and in the future. Good luck!
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