Are you setting SMART goals for your career?

SMART GOALS

What would you like to achieve in the next 3 months, 6 months, year or even 3 years? What skills do you need to get there? What would make you an impressive candidate? With SMART goals you can plot out achievable goals to achieve in a defined period.

You should be setting short and long term career goals that are specific and measurable goals to provide a path to improve your career prospects and achieve certain accomplishments – but be realistic and flexible!

“If a goal is worth having, it’s worth blocking out the time in your day to day life necessary to achieve it.” – Jill Koenig

Set SMART goals to get ahead in your career

  • Be SPECIFIC with your goals
  • Must be MEASURABLE
  • It should be a challenge, but also ATTAINABLE
  • It must be RELEVANT and worthwhile
  • The goal must be TIMEBOUND
SMART GOALS

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

Do a periodic check-in on whether you are completing the steps to reach your goal/s and adjust timelines if needed – but more importantly, keep a running list of all your wins and celebrate them.

Hold yourself accountable for your goals by:

  • Writing down your goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them
  • Setting deadlines for each goal and also dates of when you should take the steps for each goal
  • Rewarding yourself when you complete the steps and achieve your goals
  • Be flexible when you encounter barriers that may derail your progress
  • Nominating an accountability partner to help you keep on track with achieving your goals

Setting goals on an ongoing basis works best – as circumstances change and you should adapt to new challenges and demands.