Career Goal Setting

By Jerrilynn Sweat

Creating Goals• Identify your short-term goals. (Goals that you

plan to accomplish within a year’s time)• Identify your long-term goals. (Goals that you

plan to accomplish throughout your life)• Discuss why you want to accomplish these goals.

For monetary purposes, personal growth, knowledge?

• Seek out a mentor, an individual who can help guide you with your future goals.

• Set descriptive and specific goals.

Modifying/Changing Goals

• Don’t be final or unchanging with your goals.

Life brings pleasant and unpleasant surprises that you will have to accommodate. Realizing that a goal does not suit your personal growth or aspirations anymore can be a good time to update and change your goals.

Organizing Your Goals• Choose the best way to “set up” your goal list

Using tools are essential for organization. Someone once told me, ”the key to success is organization.” Finding a tool such as a computer, personal diary, planner, or simply placing goals in easily viewed areas are good ways to keep your goals organized.

Organizing Your Goals (CONT’D)

• Utilizing computer programs and other forms of technology can be very useful in organizing your goals.

• Numbering your goals in stages of priority and taking time frame into consideration can help in organization as well.

• Goals do not have to be business or career oriented. You can have goals that help with your business and career goals without them being directly involved in the work environment. Setting daily goals for your home life can either provide more time at work to accomplish tasks or provide you with more relaxation time to get well needed rest or time to gather your thoughts.

Use a Solid Support System

• Mentors can provide an objective point of view

• Family can be one of the best forms of support

Goals-Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable.-Along with your goal lists, make notes next to the goals you look over and put questions or statements you may have about the specific goal. For example, “Could I have done something differently to have accomplished this more efficiently?”

Reward Yourself

• A part that can play a big part in motivation is the reward you can give yourself after achieving your goal that helps not hinder the work you have accomplished.

Conclusion

• By setting goals that are specific in content and being able to “see” yourself achieving those goals are key tools for accomplishment.

• Procrastinating causes delay in goal accomplishment. Use your time wisely and efficiently.

• Remember that there will always be bumps in the road that may delay a goal or have it achieved in a way you did not intend.

• By staying positive and being surrounded by positive people you can stay motivated in times of hardship.