How to Create Career Goals That You Can Stick To

If you want to bring your professional dreams to life and get the New Mexico employment opportunity you desire, you have to develop your goals in an intentional manner to increase your chances of success. Learn more about how to create career goals that you can stick to:

Get Clear on Your Overall Vision

Often, people don’t achieve their career goals because they don’t set ones that truly invoke their passion or are otherwise connected to a specific reason. Get clear on your overall vision so you know the goals you should be setting to achieve success on your own terms. Decide what you want out of your career, whether that’s a sense of purpose, making more money, finding a better work-life balance, or challenging yourself. 

Refine Your Broader Goals

A common mistake with goal setting is making goals too vague and challenging to know how to act on. Refine your broader goals with the SMART framework:

  • Specific – Narrow down and clearly define your objectives.
  • Measurable – Ensure there is a way to gauge the success of a goal.
  • Achievable  – Set goals that are still realistic, even if very ambitious.
  • Relevant – Align your goals with your overall vision for your professional path. 
  • Time-bound – Include timeframes with each goal so you are able to prioritize and plan for it appropriately. 

An example of a SMART goal: Earn XYZ certification by the end of the year’s second quarter to qualify for a promotion. 

Break Down Goals into Individual Steps

You are less likely to stick to your goals if they seem overwhelming. Break down goals into individual steps to make them more actionable. This will give you regular milestones to pursue and celebrate along the way and keep you making consistent efforts.  For instance, if you want to earn a certification, different steps could include researching class options, studying each day, attending course sessions, taking practice tests to earn a specific grade, and finally gaining the credential.

Include a Committed Time Schedule

It can be difficult to make time for future endeavors when you are trying to juggle your regular obligations. Include a committed time schedule as you create your career goals. Take the individual steps of your more overarching goals and decide when exactly you will be putting in the time to work on them. Otherwise, there is the risk of putting them off in favor of seemingly more urgent day-to-day matters and wasting time. 

Explore New Job Opportunities in New Mexico

Are you ready to start your job search journey and work with a recruiter in New Mexico? The Hire Firm is here for you! We have nearly three decades of experience in finding the most qualified candidates for employers in New Mexico. Check out our job board, or Get in touch today to get started.

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