Hitting a career goal often feels like a long way off. Many assume it is impossible to reach a career goal because they’re being tied down to work or family commitments. But it is possible to reach your goal by taking small steps. I’m sharing everything you need for hitting your career goals, from planning to qualifications and rewards.
First, you need to believe in yourself and put the effort in to achieve what you set out for.
Plan, Plan, Plan
A plan that is well thought out and conclusive is a step in the right direction. If your method involves a particular goal for a specific career path, you are more likely to follow the plan. Loose plans allow you to divert focus and may not necessarily get you to where you want to end up.
Having set-in-stone plans will help guide you through each small goal you need to achieve. You can tick them off as you hit them along the way to motivate you to keep going. Having a written or drawn plan in front of you will display what you need to achieve your career goal.
Take A Course
It is never too late to take a course, whether it be a college or university degree. For example, if you want to be a therapist, finding a master’s degree in occupational therapy may the best option as it will offer the necessary qualifications. Research the qualifications you need to hit your goal and start your education, if necessary. Courses do not have to be in person, either. It is easy to access free or paid courses online for various qualifications.
Give Yourself Rewards
For all of those small goals you achieve, reward yourself, even if it is something little like a new book. It is a moment you will want to happen again and again. Thus, it will push you to hit your next small goal to reward yourself more.
Find A Support Bubble
Being surrounded by like-minded individuals will push you to strive for more. If you are in a social bubble that does not offer any motivation, you may want to find support elsewhere. For example, if you are dedicated to setting up your own small business and your social group does not support or motivate your decision, you will need to find encouragement elsewhere. That’s not to say you need to disregard your current social group. Instead, find outside support that will offer you the motivation you need. These new support groups may lead you to more opportunities.
Many online support groups involve motivating peers and offering advice. Finding a support bubble that encourages you to achieve your goals could be the motivation you need.
It can be tiring to strive for something that is far beyond reach, but you will eventually get there if you keep going. Working hard means you will reach your goal quicker and hit those small steps more comfortably than you imagined.
You do not necessarily need to work 20 hours per day to achieve your career goal. But when you do set time to work on your career and hit those small steps you need to get there, it will pay off. If you are working 9 to 5 and your career goal is outside of your current workplace, you will need to find hours in the day to work on your plan. It can be difficult but it is possible. Dedicating an hour or two after work to focus on your goal may feel like a lot of effort and exhausting. Ultimately, this hard work is what you need to do to reach your goal. When it’s difficult to keep going just picture the end goal and how you feel once you succeed.
Putting these small steps into place is a great place to start. Begin your journey with planning and deciding what small steps will guide you to your career goal. A finalized plan will allow you to focus and steer you in the right direction. If you also need to take a course or find a support bubble to give you the motivation and qualifications you require, do it! Working hard and putting small steps into place will push you toward your end goal.
