Today is the first day of summer. Soggy spring days give way to burst of colors as flowers bloom, outdoor holidays are celebrated and vacation time begins. It is also an excellent time to set career goals. Why? New Year’s resolutions have faded and generally the hot summer sun will provide energy to see your goals turn into action.
Try these steps to begin formulating career goals and action steps to achieve them. Use the S.M.A.R.T. system to set your goals.
S- specific. As you create your goal insure it answers questions like How much? What kind? Who am I partnering with?
M-measurable. Phrase your goal in a quantifiable way. By next month? In September 2011. Before the end of June.
A- actionable. Your goal has to be something within “your” sphere of control. There should be an action you can take.
R- realistic. You want to aim high and at the same time insure the goal is reasonable within the time, talent and opportunity you have. Avoid setting yourself up for failure by insuring your goal is realistic.
T-timely. Create a deadline and stick to it.
Two examples:
“I will contact 3 university admission programs before the end of June to learn more about their MBA programs.”
“ I will contact 3 people this week to set up networking meetings in the next 30 days to discuss my business idea.”
So while the weather's hot take advantage of the time to relax, cool off & think about where you are headed career-wise in the next 3-5-10 years. What do you want to achieve in the job you have today and in the future. Write it down in a positive statement and use the S.M.A.R.T. guidelines to make it happen. Happy Summer!!
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