Are you looking to progress in your career?
No one can completely predict how their career progression will evolve; people learn, they make mistakes, they take inspired risks, they benefit from luck, and they fail to capitalise on chances. However, some actions are almost universally likely to boost your success rate and failure moving forward.
Setting ourselves goals is crucial in terms of the direction we take, how we spend our time, and the resources we use. When goals are set, it’s easier to measure your progress. Keeping your goals defined and current is the best and most powerful way to keep yourself motivated.
Once you choose your goals, you can then create an action plan. How do you plan to reach those goals?
Start writing out your action plan. What education/training do you need? Who do you need to speak to? Are there apprenticeship programs available? Use the resources available to you. Don’t look back and think, “I wish I did that”. You were able to all along. If you are self-motivated, you will exhaust all resources. Self-motivation and hard work will allow you to reach any goal.
Why not create yourself a plan of action using the SMART method?
SMART goals are:
- Specific: Well-defined, clear, and unambiguous
- Measurable: With specific criteria that measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal
- Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve
- Realistic: Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your life purpose
- Timely: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency.
Staying motivated
Life isn’t always black and white. You may be thrown some curveballs, but do not let this discourage you. You need to keep your motivation levels high.
Knowledge is power: The information you obtain is key to your success. The more you know, the better. Read up on your goal, talk to people with expertise, and study up on what needs to be done. If you are continually learning, you’re keeping yourself curious and motivated.
Just do it: Procrastination can be your worst enemy. Get going on your first sub-goal, always moving forward. As mentioned, sub-goals allow you to break down a potentially overwhelming target goal. Reaching each sub-goal will keep you motivated and confident. Also, finish what you start. Don’t let your tasks get scattered and unorganised. Finish one task before you start on a new one.
Seek out positive people: If possible, try to avoid negative people. You do not want to hear that you cannot do something just because that person doesn’t believe they can. You know yourself and what you’re capable of. It is much easier to stay motivated if you are around other positive people. If you encounter a setback, that’s okay. Treat it as a learning experience and move forward.
Take risks: Within reason, take risks. If you fail, you can pick yourself up and learn from it. To achieve great things, sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone. This can be the biggest barrier for people. They do not motivate themselves because they feel like they’re not comfortable with where they want to go. Believe in yourself and push forward.
Know your strengths and weaknesses: You know what your strengths are, so use them to your advantage. Throughout your journey, you may uncover new strengths you didn’t even realise. Build on your strengths, which will allow you to achieve great things. Everyone has weaknesses; we’re all human. Work at your weaknesses; there’s always room for positive improvements.