It is important to define your goals before you achieve them. It sounds pretty easy until you face a challenge.
Challenges are good in small doses. And you can minimize them by knowing the tools and approaches to defining your goals. Believe it or not, all career-savvy professionals with notable accomplishments use more or less the same algorithms. So, let’s learn the steps outlined by a career advice expert.
Smart-SMARTER-the Smartest
Rule number one. To define your goals, you need to be smart.
Rule number two. You can get SMARTER. This is the name of the system that characterizes the objectives for your action plan:
· Specific;
· Measurable;
· Achievable;
· Realistic;
· Timely;
· Empowering;
· Reviewable.
Let us take an example of a short-term objective and see whether it corresponds to most adjectives on the list.
For instance, you want to invest in your career by addressing affordable resume writers for a bot-beating resume. This goal is specific, and you can measure it by the number of responses from recruiters. It’s also achievable, realistic, and timely – a professional service will deliver the result within a specific timeframe. This goal will help you get employed or occupy a better position faster; hence, it is empowering. Lastly, you can review the results.
Specific Steps
We have discussed the approach. Now, let us focus on important tasks to work on.
1. Define Your Dream Job
Think of something you are willing to do for free on a short-term basis. This is 99% your dream job if you are honest with yourself. There is always a one-per-cent chance that your dream job is yet to be something innovative that you engage in.
2. Write It Down
Most likely, you have heard of vision boards. The technique is the same. You create images that are destined to become real experiences. When you have a clear idea of your dream job, it is time to focus on details.
The same idea works for creating professional Instagram pages. Write out things that characterize you as an employee and as a person. Consider your qualification, key skills, interests, and hobbies. For instance, your competencies might include being a translator, interpreter, language tutor, vegetarian, and standup comedian.
When you think about your career, visualize and write down what your office looks like, what you are going to wear, and what your job would mean to the other aspects of your life.
3. Identify Your Long-Term Goals
Create a table with the following tasks in the left column:
· technical skills to acquire;
· soft skills to cultivate;
· competencies to learn;
· experience to gain;
· personal and professional development.
We can only give you a template for the left column. Now, fill out the right one.
4. Break №3 Into Short-Term Goals
Again, your specific tasks will depend on what you would like to achieve. But we can suggest the areas to focus on:
· learning;
· diversifying your experience;
· skills development;
· ideal next job;
· professional membership.
5. Develop an Action Plan
Based on your smaller tasks, create a list of targets. Here is an example to help you get started.
· Sign Up for a Course or a Webinar
Depending on how much time you have at your disposal, choose the format of learning that is in line with your career goals.
· Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Add some recent relevant work experience and proofread your CV.
· Join a Professional Network
Become a member of an organization where you can meet like-minded people.
After defining the actions to take, make the necessary arrangements to get the ball rolling.
6. Be Open to Criticism
First of all, learn to differentiate between toxic remarks of ill-wishers and healthy critique of friends. Evil-wishers usually say something just to offend. Their criticism has no foundation. So, there is no point in wasting your energy here. But listen to supporters who can help you improve.
7. Have the Hunger to Learn
Passion for continuous learning is a career-savvy professional’s superpower. The principles always remain the same. Everything else is constantly developing. That is why you should always remain a student to keep up with the time.
Do you remember studying compound and complex sentences at school? The literature is full of such examples. And it is great that you know how to build them. But our ‘literature’ is social networking sites. And no one is going to read your post if the first sentence has five lines. You should master the art of writing concisely.
8. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
Belongingness comes at the third level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Only physiological and safety needs are more important than surrounding yourself with fellow thinkers. And it is important to understand that it does not necessarily mean people of the same profession. Fellow-thinkers share values and goals with you.
9. Look for Mentorship
A career path is full of obstacles. When you attend networking events, you are likely to meet someone who has overcome them. This is where mentorship comes in. You will find moving further in your career much easier with some advice and motivational support.
Whatever, Wherever, Whenever
Whatever step you are taking, make sure you follow the key rules of the game.
· Remain Positive in Your Approach
Positive thinking works. Jump – and a parachute will open.
· Stick to Deadlines
Specify the numbers that you want to reach by a specific date. Only this way can you make sure you reach your targets.
· Do Not Lose Direction
Do not get overwhelmed with unrealistic goals. The only outcome is getting demoralized and unmotivated. Live your real life instead of living in a fantasy.
Oh, and despite the strict rules, be flexible. You can have Plan A, B, and C. But get ready for adjustments to stay afloat.
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