Can you believe we are already a quarter of the way through the year? To say time has flown, is a bit of an understatement.
Looking back on the New Year career plans and goals you put in place, how on track do you feel you actually are? If the answer is ‘very’, that’s fantastic news, and you should already be seeing some great benefits and results even at this early stage. If you’re a bit off track that’s no reason to panic, it’s just a case of reassessing your career plan and maybe putting some new achievable objectives in place.
Start by going back to the drawing board and really thinking about what skills you need to help you develop and progress in your current role or to prepare you for the next move in your career. Devise a plan, which is specifically designed to facilitate your growth, development and advancement. Write down your current position, and your long term goal. Once you have done this start to consider the intermediate steps you need to take to reach your objectives. Are there some educational activities/vocational achievements that will help you reach your goals? It may be a good idea to look in to training to enhance your skillset or learn new skills. How can others help you to accomplish your objectives? You could possibly seek out a mentor to help you in your journey in achieving your career goals. Really think about where are you now in your career and where do you ultimately (and realistically) want to go? How will you get there? And by what means?
It’s also important to think of ways you can personally develop yourself to meet your goals. Some people are still under the illusion that work-life and personal-life are two completely separate things. But the majority of us know the two often intertwine. Whether it’s seeking out ways to have a better work-life balance, or networking on social media to create professional contacts which will undoubtedly be of benefit, both in your professional and personal life, it’s important for you to look after your personal life, whilst tending to your profession.
Make sure when setting your goals that they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and within a specific Timeframe – this could be for the next quarter of the year, next year or even the next 5 years. Do what will work best for you, and once you’ve prepared your plan, plan a meeting with your supervisor, mentor, family members or friends in order to gain the support you will need to aid you in achieving your goals, and make sure you devise a way to measure if you are on track to fulfilling your objectives, whether that be on a weekly or quarterly basis.
Before we know it, another quarter will have passed, and we’ll be half way through the year. Scary isn’t it? It’s important not to procrastinate when it comes to your career, and if you haven’t already put your career wheels in motion, or accelerated as much as you could have to achieve your goals, there’s no time like the present.
Feel free to contact one of our friendly local course advisors to see how we can help you achieve the skills you need to get ahead in your career and achieve your goals.
Image taken from slideshare.net
