Setting career goals is an important step towards achieving success and personal fulfilment. However, it takes more than just setting goals to progress in your career. You need to have a solid plan and take actionable steps to turn those goals into reality. With the right strategies, you can increase your chances of achieving your career goals and advancing in your profession. These are five strategies that can help you achieve your career goals and boost your professional growth.
Visualise Your End Goal
“Visualisation is daydreaming with a purpose.” – Bo Bennett
The first step towards achieving career success is to visualise your end goal. Whether it’s getting a new job, earning a promotion, or starting your own business, seeing yourself achieving your goal can help keep you motivated and focused on the steps needed to get there. According to a study conducted by the Dominican University of California, people who wrote down their goals and shared them with others were 42% more likely to achieve them. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or starting your own business, keep that end result at the forefront of your mind.
Celebrate Small Milestones
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe
Breaking down your large career goal into smaller milestones can make the journey feel less daunting. Each time you achieve one of these smaller milestones, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge your progress. This will give you a boost of motivation to keep going. According to a study conducted by Harvard Business Review, celebrating small wins can improve motivation, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.
Network, Network, Network
“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale
Networking is a crucial aspect of career growth. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet new people and build relationships. Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in your industry.
According to a survey by Jobvite, 78% of recruiters find their best candidates through referrals. Therefore, networking can help you uncover job opportunities and increase your chances of finding your dream job.
Stay Organised
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Staying organised is crucial to achieving career success. Create a plan of action, set deadlines for yourself, and stick to them. Use tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to keep yourself on track. This will help you manage your time effectively and make sure you’re not leaving anything to the last minute. A study conducted by CareerBuilder found that 23% of employers value organisation and time management as key traits in potential employees.
Seek Support
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
Having a support system can make all the difference in helping you stay motivated and focused. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities. They can offer encouragement and help keep you accountable. A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that having a strong support network can lead to better job performance and job satisfaction.
Seek Feedback and Take Constructive Criticism
“The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you think you can only do a little.” – Zig Ziglar
Feedback is critical to professional growth. Seek feedback from your colleagues, managers, and mentors to identify areas where you need improvement. Actively seek out constructive criticism and use it to improve your performance and make meaningful progress in their career.
According to a study by Gallup, employees who received feedback on their strengths showed a 14.9% increase in performance. Therefore, seeking feedback and taking constructive criticism can help you improve your performance and achieve your career goals.
Stay Positive
“Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard
Positivity is key when working towards career success. Don’t let self-doubt or negative thoughts creep in. Instead, focus on your strengths and what you’ve accomplished so far. Remind yourself that you’ve come this far and that you have what it takes to achieve your goals. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who have a positive outlook are more likely to achieve success in their careers.
Take Care of Yourself
“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you.” – Robin Sharma
Neglecting self-care in the pursuit of your career goals can lead to burnout and a decrease in productivity. Taking care of yourself is crucial to ensure you have the energy and focus to see it through to the end. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them. Exercise and meditation can also help reduce stress and increase your focus. According to a study conducted by the University of Warwick, happy workers are 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. Exercise and meditation can also help reduce stress and increase your focus.
Understand Your Skills and Competencies
“As you move up the corporate ladder, the emphasis on skillset becomes more important than your degree. Your education is a stepping stone and your skillset is what ultimately will determine your success.” – Naveen Jain
Before setting career goals, it’s essential to understand your skills and competencies. Take stock of your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where you need improvement. This self-assessment will help you create goals that align with your skillset and capabilities.
According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, 69% of professionals believe that skills are more critical than college degrees when it comes to career success. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on developing your skills to achieve your career goals.
Create a Professional Development Plan
“Your professional development plan is the roadmap to achieving your career goals. Without it, you’re just wandering aimlessly.” – Maddy Malhotra
Once you have identified your skills and competencies, it’s time to create a professional development plan. This plan should outline your short-term and long-term career goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. Your plan should also include professional development opportunities, such as training courses, workshops, and conferences, that can help you enhance your skills.
According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 94% of employees said that they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. Therefore, creating a professional development plan not only helps you achieve your career goals but also increases your value to your employer.
Stay Current and Embrace Change
“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
The business world is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay current with industry trends and developments. Attend industry events, read industry publications, and take courses to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news.
According to a survey by Deloitte, 85% of executives believe that staying current with industry trends is critical to success. Therefore, staying current can help you stay competitive in your industry and achieve your career goals.
Embrace The Discomfort
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when you’re pushing towards a big goal. Embrace that discomfort and use it as fuel to keep going. Recognise that discomfort is a sign that you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and towards growth. Embrace the challenge and keep moving forward.
As you approach the finish line, remember that the last sprint towards achieving your goal is where you truly define yourself. This is where you push past your limits and reach for something bigger than yourself. The feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with crossing that finish line is worth all the hard work and sacrifice.
Hitting the homestretch towards a large career goal can be both exciting and challenging. But by applying all of the above disciplines daily, you can finish strong and achieve your goal with pride and confidence. Keep pushing forward, and remember that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a positive mindset.
At APSG Talent, we provide more than just job placement services. We offer ongoing support and investment in our candidates‘ professional development. Our membership program provides personalised coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We also work closely with our clients to understand their needs and goals, providing strategic consulting services to help them achieve success. Choose APSG Talent for a personalized approach to career growth and business success. Become a candidate or client today to experience the difference.
THE AUTHOR
Nathanael Deleon
Founder & Director – Australian Project Solutions Group
