One of the toughest issues in career choice and career goal setting and planning is identifying what is it you want. Most people, even very successful ones, have some periods in their career path when they seem unsure about their career choice and goals. Two of the benefits you will receive as a result of defining and aligning your major goals in life are peace of mind and focus. Imagine...
- A job where the work you do actually gives you energy that you can put right back into enjoying your life and achieving success.
- A career that feels perfectly aligned with who you are, as comfortable and perfect as a set of tailor made clothes.
- Being just as inspired by the internal rewards of the work you do as the external ones.
Goal setting sounds easy enough, but if not done correctly it can become another "I meant to get around to that." Experts vary on the best way to set goals, but I say take the old fashion approach - just roll up your sleeves and START!
S - Specific - The first and most important step is to identify what your specific goals are. Take a few minutes (hours, days, etc.) to daydream and imagine where you want to be in the next 2, 3, 5, and 10 years. Think through the details - down to the color of the carpet in your 1st office. Once you have an idea, verbalize it and be SPECIFIC. To say that by the time you get out of college you want to have a great job is too vague. Instead, try "When I graduate, I want to obtain a career in journalism with a large newspaper in the Dallas, TX area."
T - Trackable.- Just like Aunt Eloise's award-winning Jell-O mold recipe, you must go through certain "steps" to reach the specific goals you set. With your specific goal in mind, figure out what you must do to reach that goal. Will it require a certain major? additional training? a graduate degree? a geographical change in location? Make a chart and track your progress.
A - Achievable - I've never told anyone this before, but being a university administrator was not my 1st career goal. I would kill to be a country music star! After 7 years of vocal training and singing my way through college, I realized that my goal of being the next "Tim McGraw" probably wasn't going to happen...truth be told...I wasn't that good! While I do encourage students to "reach for the stars," you have to be realistic about the situation. Setting unrealistic goals only set you up for failure. While your ultimate goal may be to become the first Mississippian to become President of the United States, understand what you must go through to reach that goal.
R - wRitable - Drawing from the "3 R's" - be sure to write your goals down. Putting your thoughts on paper can be a great way to set your mind to it - physically. Also, looking at your written goals on a daily basis is an effective way to stay on track. You don't have to have special paper or a certain form, just grab what is available - my "to do list before I die" is actually on a post it! Post them in a place that you will see every day - on the fridge, in your bathroom, in your planner, as your screen saver...whatever it takes!
T - Timely - My point is that a goal without a timeline is not going to last! Putting a deadline on your goals is essential to keep you on track and insure that your dreams become realities.
~written by Jason Umfress |