Setting goals is a key step to growing and advancing your career. By making a clear plan, you give yourself the opportunity to stay motivated, engaged, and enthusiastic about your role and the value you bring to your business or organization. On the other hand, you may be looking to change roles or careers, and are looking to set a foundation to help you achieve this. Goals will vary from person to person and will change as you move throughout your profession. However, no matter what you are looking to achieve, having a plan in place is essential. Therefore, today, let’s chat about some tips to help set career goals.
Work backwards
When setting career goals, it is important to know your destination. Once you have clearly established what you wish to accomplish, you can work to set attainable goals that will help you reach your end objective.
Be specific
It is key to set specific intentions for success. You are likely familiar with the term SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed), which is a helpful framework to utilize. SMART goals can be viewed as an action plan, which will help you to be as detailed as possible. Be sure to state what you will do, when it will happen, and the steps you will take.
It is key to challenge yourself, but also be reasonable, to stay motivated and committed. If your goals are too far-fetched, you are more likely to become discouraged and frustrated.
Write them down
Whether you keep your goals in a journal or utilize digital notes, being able to see them in writing is an excellent way to hold yourself accountable. This also keeps them top of mind, ensuring you remember what you are working toward, and of course, there is something satisfying about checking off one that you have achieved along the way!
In keeping track of your goals, you are also able to make notes about what worked, how you were feeling, and what you would do differently going forward. This way, you can go back to your notes as needed, and save them for the future.
Be proactive
In some instances, employees will wait until performance reviews before considering their goals, and what they wish to work toward. Rather than being a passive participant, be an active player in your career. You can do this by meeting with your boss or manager to discuss your objectives and seek guidance. If there is a course or program that you feel will benefit you in your role as well as for your organization, bring it to the attention of your employer. Not only will this help you work toward your goals but will showcase you as a valuable and engaged employee.
Be aware of what is happening in your organization should an opportunity for a promotion or a position you are interested in arise. You can also go the extra mile and look for projects or tasks that you are interested in and offer your expertise.
No matter your goals, having a road map makes achieving them much easier. If you are considering a career change, or are thinking about moving positions within your organization, it is a good idea to have your resume ready should you need it. Our team would love to meet with you and be part of your goal setting process.