10 steps to changing your career goals

Each year many of us attempt to take on new personal challenges such as improving our health or kicking a bad habit, but have you thought about setting new career goals? After all, we spend most of our lives making a living, so shouldn’t our work be one of the most fulfilling things we do?

There are constant changes unfolding in our work environments and personal lives, so it’s important to reassess our goals and set new ones with measured outcomes. Here’s our 10-step guide to realising those career goals. 

Step 1. Self-reflect

Setting any kind of goal starts with self-reflection, so take some time to think about the past year and what you’ve achieved. Career coach Kerina Alter says that self-reflection can also be done through conversation with someone you respect or a qualified career coach.

Step 2. Know your values

To set lasting career goals, you need to know what’s important to you in life. When you align your goals with your values, you’ll be more likely to achieve them because of the enjoyment and meaning attached to them.

Step 3. Dream big

You won’t be able to achieve great things if you don’t have the vision to launch from. Alter advises, “Dream big without evaluating or talking yourself out of it. It's ok to be ambitious. Imagine what you can achieve!”

Step 4. Understand the purpose

The chances that you’ll commit to your goal in the long-term are more likely if you can understand the meaning and purpose for setting the goal in the first place. Identify your motivation by asking yourself, “why is it important to achieve this goal?” and “why now?”

Step 5. Break it down

So it doesn’t become overwhelming, Alter says, “Have a big picture, but more importantly, have a small picture.” Break the goal down into bite-sized portions to nut out what is actually required for each part. Prioritise what might be done first for best results, and continue from there.

Step 6. Express it

The more you talk about your goals or intended actions, the more “real” they’ll become, and the more committed you’ll feel towards them. Write them down, tell people about your plans, and set yourself regular calendar reminders to keep you inspired and on track.

Step 7. Define your actions

Now it’s time to consider what steps you’ll take to start the process. Writing out a plan or to-do list will spur you even closer to achieving your goals. Some examples include enquiring about a course online or reviewing where you can save money so you can buy new software.

Step 8. Create a risk plan

Think about any obstacles that can get in the way of you achieving your goals, and how you can best set yourself up for success. “You may have to be flexible and change tracks as your circumstances change, but that’s not a reason to give up or label the whole exercise as a failure,” says Alter.

Step 9. Set a time frame

Make your action plan even more tangible by setting a timeframe. Most people work productively when they’re striving towards a deadline, so consider how long each action will take to achieve and set a date next to them.

Step 10. Assess and reward

When you’ve fulfilled an action or goal, reward yourself – it’ll act as a motivator. “Some goals or actions will be harder to achieve than others, so change the reward accordingly,” says Alter. “Rewards must occur as soon as possible after achieving a goal.”

Like with most things in life, preparation is key to achieving your career goals. With the right considerations, research and planning, there’s every reason your big dreams can become your reality.