Hi there, Well here we are, half through the year of 2012. Today we will venture into how to Set a goal and make a commitment to action. Having decided your career trajectory you now need to set some career goals. This means writing your career goals down as the act of writing them helps you clarify and commit to them.
“A dream is a goal without legs. It is a wonderful thing to have, can be the guiding passion of your life, but unless you clarify it and give it the legs to move toward you, getting there is going to be very much a matter of luck. To transform a dream into a reachable goal you must clarify it, provide the details, and make it so clear that you can see it, feel it, know what you will feel like when you get there. This works for you in many ways. “ Diana Robinson
Having clear goals that challenge you, but are based on realistic research, is incredibly powerful. Outstanding performers in many fields attribute their success to setting goals and then focusing consistently on them. Many people avoid setting goals because they are afraid of not being able to reach them. If you find yourself feeling this way then remind yourself of the old saying: ‘Better to aim for the moon and hit the top of the mountain than to aim for nothing and hit it easily.’ Others resist writing down goals because they’re afraid they’ll get them wrong. It is however okay at times to refine, revise or refocus your goals as you proceed. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try … and then re-evaluate!
You have to survive through a time of uncertainty; be prepared to make new career decisions as circumstances change. Here are some questions to ask yourself regarding goal setting….
• Is it my goal or someone else’s?
• Is it the right goal for me?
• Will it fit in with others in my life?
• Is it too easy or too hard?
• Is it realistic?
• Can I commit to it today?
If not – it’s just a dream…
How to make it happen… Personal tactics.
• Have an actual vision. Put a photo in your environment.
• Affirmations – what is your self talk telling you?
• Time- plan deadlines.
• Effort – do it / commitment
• Do you need professional support such as a mentor or a coach?
Letting others know what you want is also very powerful. We’ll look at how to create your very own ‘elevator speech’ or what I call your 60 second spiel, to make a good impression on the people you meet. This will become central to a powerful first impression, so that you can begin to network with confidence. Networking is a fast track to tapping into the hidden job market and possibly an interview, where you are in control of the agenda. It is therefore imperative that you develop a great first impression.
This is your opportunity to shine and to say something interesting and memorable about yourself! First impressions are important. When you introduce yourself, take about one minute … without speaking too fast. Consider the points below which provide ideas and questions for you to consider in creating your 60 second spiel. Build in what you have done so far to create a powerful statement. It will change, depending on who you are talking to. Include Ideas for this
Who are you?
What has contributed to who you are; what could be of interest?
What is interesting about you?
What will the employer want to know?
Where were you born? (If this is interesting).
How to say your name correctly if it is not easy to pronounce.
If you live somewhere far away from the job, say why you are applying for the position. Think of things such as sport, travel, community involvement, creative pursuits and major achievements.
What do you have to offer?
What are two powerful things that describe what you have to offer?
Think of some words which describe you? What about you do people compliment?
These words are part of your brand. Do have qualifications relevant to what you are looking for? R
recent graduates can be confident that they have up-to-date information, know about new ways of thinking and media.
What are your key strengths, values and attributes?
What do you want? It’s important to let people know what you want – otherwise they can’t help you. What is your career direction and what inspired you to apply for the job.
Who would you like to meet? What companies are you interested in? Practice answering the question – ‘Tell me about yourself?’ in 2 minutes or less. Now that you have a way to tell family and friends what you want, as well as introduce yourself to new people, you also need to have your resume ready, just in case it’s required spontaneously.
So that’s your next task… Good luck and bye for now, Leanne
Leanne Cleghorn is an Australian career coach and counsellor, and director of Women In New Careers P/L. She is dedicated to empowering women and men to move forward in their careers, and is a great motivator when you need someone to hold your hand. She has experienced career change herself and understands the courage and risks involved in making career decisions. Leanne is an accomplished and dedicated career and personal counsellor of 10 years experience, and a teaching professional with a 25 year history of developing and delivering innovative courses at secondary and tertiary level. She has a demonstrated record of consistently achieving excellent results from clients in a variety of culturally diverse environments. She is an experienced presenter and highly skilled communicator with an ability to develop rapport and trust with staff, colleagues and clients. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic, as well as adaptable, flexible and open to changing work environments.
Leanne offers a free report via her website called ‘The Career Momentum program’. She also shares more free information and tips about Career Aspirations on her blog.
