“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible” – Tony Robbins.
Career goals – A frequented topic at interviews, there are times when we stutter to give a lucid answer for this query “What are your Career goals / where do you see yourself in the next 5 years “?
Setting goals is prudent to ensure we walk in the right direction and focus on those aspects which help us grow. Commonly said as “begin with the end in mind’’, Career goals are a must in the path of one’s career – whether it is to seek higher designation or to redeem oneself from a setback.
So, how to strategically plan and implement career goals? A few tips:
- Set realistic Goals: Foremost principle in having a strategic goal is to understand one’s areas of strength and interest, then formulate a plan around it. Revisit the goal often, measure your progress on the efforts taken to reach the same. Also, check if the goals align with your personal life.
- Set apart time for learning: The best investment one can make is in the self. Allocate time for polishing your skills or learning a new one – this will provide you with the stimulus to reach your goals faster and raise the bar higher as you progress. With the demand for skilled labour always on the rise, setting goals to match the same and upskilling relevantly will serve as a boon.
- Self-evaluation: Have a time line; making plans without a due date has no meaning. Even if you have to readjust the dates, it doesn’t matter as long as progress is made. Also, a constant self-appraisal will enlighten you about the skills required vs. skills acquired. It will also serve as a timely interference in setting the course right if there has been a deviation. Acknowledge your progress, even if it’s small.
- Have a Mentor: Have someone above your professional stature with adequate skills to guide you. It can be a boss from your previous company or a friend who is capable – it’s good to have someone to talk to. Sometimes, a fresh perspective will emerge from a third person’s point of view, so always have that door open.
- Buckle up, try again: Everything will not go the way as planned. At times of adversity, though the energy levels will be low and doubt will set in, cast it aside and begin afresh. It’s easier said than done, but seeing that we are the architects of our career, there is really not much choice left other than pulling ourselves up.
While the methodologies adopted might differ from one individual to another, the whole notion of setting a strategic career goal is inevitable for all. Rather than treading aimlessly, devising appropriate career goals and following it meticulously will go a long way in building a strong and successful career. Being an ardent journey, it’s wise to invest time, play by your strengths and make your career significant.
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, ‘Importance of networking for success in your career’, ‘Busy Day vs Productive Day‘, ‘Money matters for womens financial independence‘, ‘ ‘Being overlooked for promotion‘ , ‘Addressing the gender paygap disparity ‘ , ‘ The art of saying No at work‘ , ‘ Reviving from an unfavourable performance appraisal ‘ , ‘Dealing with a difficult boss‘ , ‘The performance punishment’
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish –
I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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