Let’s talk about career goals. You know, those things we’re all supposed to have figured out by now. But here’s the thing – the world of work is changing faster than ever. What worked for our parents or even for us a few years ago might not cut it anymore.
So, how do we set and achieve career goals that actually mean something in this wild world we live in now? Let’s take a more in-depth look.
Why Traditional Success Might Not Be Your Cup of Tea
First things first – let’s chat about what success really means. For a long time, success looked like a fancy title, a big paycheck, and maybe a corner office. But does that still hold up? For some, sure. But for many of us, those traditional markers of success are starting to feel a bit… empty.
Maybe you’re realizing that no amount of money makes up for hating your job. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that climbing the corporate ladder isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. That’s okay! In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s the first step to figuring out what really matters to you.
Finding Your Own Definition of Success
So, if the old definition of success doesn’t work, how do you figure out what does? Start by asking yourself some questions:
- What kind of work makes you lose track of time?
- When do you feel most fulfilled?
- What impact do you want to have on the world?
- How important is work-life balance to you?
These aren’t easy questions to answer, but they’re worth taking the time with. Your answers might surprise you. Maybe success for you looks like starting your own business, or having enough time to volunteer, or being able to travel while working remotely.
Setting Goals That Actually Matter to You
Now that you’ve got a better idea of what success means to you, it’s time to set some goals. But not just any goals – we’re talking about career goals that align with your values and your personal brand.
Start by thinking big. Where do you want to be in five years? In ten? Don’t worry about being realistic just yet – dream a little. Then, work backward. What steps do you need to take to get there? These become your short-term and mid-term goals.
Remember, your goals should excite you. If they don’t, they’re probably not the right goals. And that’s fine! Keep tweaking until you find what makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
Balancing Ambition and Well-being
Here’s where things get tricky. We live in a world that often glorifies the hustle, the grind, the 24/7 work ethic. But is that really sustainable? Or even desirable? Probably not.
Your career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, relationships, or overall happiness. In fact, they should enhance these aspects of your life. So, when you’re setting these goals, think about how they’ll impact your well-being and your mental health.
Maybe one of your goals is to learn a new skill. Great! But make sure you’re not sacrificing sleep or family time to do it. Balance is key. After all, what’s the point of success if you’re too burnt out to enjoy it?
Adapting to a Changing World
If there’s one thing we’ve learned lately, it’s that the world can change in the blink of an eye. Industries transform, new technologies emerge, and suddenly, the career path you had mapped out might not exist anymore.
So, how do you set career goals in such an unpredictable environment? The key is flexibility. Think of your goals as a roadmap, not a set of train tracks. You need to be able to adjust your route as the landscape changes.
Stay curious and keep learning. Set goals around building adaptable skills – things like communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking. These will serve you well no matter what curveballs the future throws your way.
Measuring Progress Beyond Money and Titles
So, once you’ve set some awesome, meaningful career goals. How do you know if you’re making progress? This is where things get fun. Because when you’re defining success on your own terms, you get to decide what progress looks like too.
Sure, a raise or a promotion might be part of it. But what about other markers of progress? Maybe it’s the impact you’re having on your team or customers. Or the new skills you’re learning. Or how much more confident you feel in your role.
Keep track of these things. Celebrate the small wins. They’re all part of your unique journey towards your version of success.
Putting It All Together
Setting and achieving meaningful career goals in today’s world is a bit like putting together a puzzle while the picture on the box keeps changing. It’s challenging, sure, but also exciting. You get to define what success looks like for you, set goals that align with your values, and chart your own course.
Remember, your career goals aren’t set in stone. They’ll evolve as you do, and that’s a good thing. Stay flexible, keep checking in with yourself, and don’t be afraid to change direction if something’s not working.
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Yes, goals are important. But so is finding satisfaction and joy in your day-to-day work. After all, isn’t that a big part of what success is all about?
Your career is a big part of your life, but it’s not your whole life. Set goals that reflect that. Aim for success that feels authentic to you. And remember, it’s okay if your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s. In fact, that’s kind of the point.
Now, go out there and start redefining success. Your future self will thank you for it.
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
