“In the long run, men hit only what they aim at.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Making a career change or starting the business of your dreams can be a daunting prospect.
It may require training and education and take some planning.
There is also the stark reality of being bound by financial obligations such as mortgage payments, car loans and living expenses for yourself and your family.
How do you follow your heart and still meet responsibilities?
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If you fail to plan, plan to fail.
Write down your goals. I have short-term goals for the next few months and long-term ones for a year or more.
I organize them in two ways. The first is the ultimate wish list. The sky is the limit.
There is something magical about writing these dreams down. No matter how far from achievable my wish list may seem, I am amazed at how many come to fruition a year or so later.
The second approach to goal setting is much more detailed.
First, develop a clear vision of your ultimate goal or job. This can take some soul searching. If you aspire to become an entrepreneur, a series of assessments can help you discover your interests and select meaningful work that complements your lifestyle and values. If new skills and education are required, a plan of action must be developed.
Second, focus on one primary goal.
Begin by defining the goal in as much detail as possible. The wrong way to define a goal is to say “I want a new car.” This is too vague. I use a goal setting method called SMART that refers to:
S – specific.
M – measurable.
A – attainable.
R – realistic.
T – time specific.
If it is a car that you want, then the specific detail should include the year, make, model, colour and options. For all goals, being specific helps to focus your efforts. Provide answers to the questions of who, what, where, when, which and why. Answering why will be your driving force to the reasons, purpose and benefits of accomplishing your goal.
You will need some concrete methods to measure progress. Consider an outline of the steps required to achieve the goal you have in mind. Include all the possible roadblocks and consider the solutions now. This will help measure progress toward your goal and motivate you as each benchmark is achieved.
By being specific when setting a goal you help to ensure that it is attainable. The road map and measurement you create affirm the journey will be attainable from both a personal commitment and financial point of view.
A goal that you are willing and capable of working toward needs to be realistic. The road map will chart the journey and state your plan. Realistic is not synonymous with easy. When you believe the goal can be accomplished and know how to reach it, that is realistic.
You will need to have time-specific markers in your plan so you know when you reach the benchmarks as you journey to a new career. This inspires the commitment and becomes a driving force to reach your goals.
Review your goal’s master plan regularly. You can anticipate some challenges, but by surrounding yourself with positive people, eliminating negative self-talk and taking affirmative action, your goals will become reality. Goal setting is the key to success in all areas of your life.
The journey of a 1,000 miles starts with a single step.
Therri Papp is a career development educator offering on-line personal development programs and career consulting to individuals and business groups. For further information call 306-249-4937 or visit www.freeyesinfo.com.
