Who doesn’t love the thought of working within their sweet spot? As any golfer knows, when the ball connects “just right” with the club, it is a thing of beauty. There is just nothing better than doing something that is a really great fit for you!
But most of the time, it doesn’t just happen that you fall into your best-fit.
To find your best-fit career path, you need to:
1) Really know WHO you are,
2) Narrow the world of work down to good-fit options based on who you are, then
3) Do the work of exploration.
My job (but it’s really more joy than a job!) is helping my clients with #1 and #2, then providing the strategy for #3, but no one can do the work of exploration, “trying-on” the different options, for anyone else.
In the midst of the busyness of life, it can be challenging to stay focused during the exploration/“trying on” phase, but it’s oh, so important. I encourage you to set SMART goals, and write them down, to move towards a career that is a really great fit for you.
When goals are SMART, they are:
- Specific: What specifically will you do? Break the large task into specific steps and write them down. >>“Read the O*Net Online information listing for one occupation” versus “research an occupation.”
- Measurable: It is much more motivating when your goal is defined so you know when you have achieved it. >>“Email three professionals to ask to meet for an informational interview” rather than “line up informational interviews.”
- Achievable: It’s good for your goal to stretch you out of your comfort zone, but it also needs to be realistic. >>“Make an appointment to meet with the admissions counselor at XYZ graduate school” rather than “make an appointment to meet with the President of the U.S.”
- Relevant: Make sure this goal helps you achieve your overall goal of having a career that is a great fit for you. >>“Read and process my Highlands Ability Battery report, so I can understand my strengths and weaknesses” versus “watch Netflix.” 🙂
- Time-bound: Set a deadline and/or time frame for your goal. >>”Read through my report binder and set a phone check-in appointment with Jenny by October 15, 2015” rather than “read through my binder.”
What is one SMART goal you can set today? As always, I’m here to help!
To your success-
Blessings,
