How to Set Realistic Career Goals
Setting unrealistic career goals is a waste of your time and energy. Not only that it is very unlikely that you will ever achieve them and so you could end up feeling disappointed. This article will give all the tips and advice so that you really know how to set realistic career goals.
Realistic career goals are career-oriented goals that you will actually be able to achieve. Setting such goals can help you remain focused and motivated. They can also help you get your dream job or advance in your career.
Here is how to set realistic career goals:
Long-term goals
You need to know what it is the ultimate goal that you want to achieve when setting career goals. You can then set mini-goals to help you achieve that long-term goal.
Some people have a life long dream of working in a certain profession while others may wish to make advancements in the job they already have.
Mini-goals
Setting smaller goals to help you achieve the larger goals is something that most people tend to do. These small mini-goals can then lead up to you achieving that larger goal.
For example you may wish to progress in your career and your ultimate career goal is promotion. You can set mini-goals that can increase your productivity and performance at work that can lead you to being promoted.
Self-assessment
Once you have your long-term goal you need to assess your education and skill set and see if you match the requirements for that career. Do as much research about the career that you are aiming for and honestly evaluate your suitability.
You may be able to learn new skills and improve your education for most careers. This may take some time and effort on your behalf.
Time
In order to set realistic career goals you may also need to consider the amount of time that it can take you to achieve those goals. It is unrealistic to set a career goal that you know you are not going to be able to find the time to accomplish.
You may need to attend a course or enrol at a university to improve your skills and/or education level for certain career goals. Do you honestly have the time to do all that?
Outside perspective
You can turn to family and friends to help make your career goals more realistic. They know you just as well as you know yourself and can offer you support as well as advice.
Career coaches are another people that you can turn to for some outside perspective. They can give you more insightful advice and tell you how to set more realistic goals.
Career goals can help you plan your future. You can use these goals to start a new career or make career changes. Use the tips above to make your career goals more realistic and therefore more attainable.
