How to Strive to Achieve Your Career Goals

By Marie Warren

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Achieving your career goals are not as far off as they may seem. With the many workforce training programs available as a result of the damaged economy, there is no better time than now to pursue the career you have been waiting for. This article will show you how to strive to achieve your career goals.

Confess with Your Mouth and Write with Your Pen
How many times have you conjured up this great idea, only to forget it hours later because you did not write it down? It has been said many times over that writing things down solidifies plans. 'To do lists' that are written are completed more than 'to do lists' that are just thought about. Just 'thinking' about how to strive to achieve your career goals, it is like seeing the car you want but not getting inside to test-drive it. Inside the car, you can see and touch the features, feel the comfort of the seats and experience the smooth tyre performance. Writing down your career goals not only gives you a tangible promise (by seeing it on paper), as you write, it sketches a blueprint on your brain.

Draft a career plan and include a step by step plan of action that you will use as your motivator while striving to achieve your career goals. Start with the big picture as the introduction or overview of your career plan, then work your way through the picture, mapping out classes you may need to take or degree programs you need to complete. Be sure to use a time line - this will help you to manage deadlines, and put a little fire under you if you begin to fall behind. Make your career plan as detailed as possible, including names of people who may be able to help you reach your goal. Finally, include a checklist to check off every milestone you complete. Remember to be realistic about your goals and time line.

Update Your CV and Knowledge
Chances are you are currently using skills that you have not added to your resume. A side note about resumes - they should be tailored to your career goals. Be sure to list accomplishments and responsibilities that have prepared you for the career advancement you seek. If your current job is in the same field of your career goal, check with your employer's Human Resources department to see what training programs (if any) are available to support employee development. Subscribe to publications specific to your desired career field. There are many free publications such as e-newsletters, free online memberships where you just register with an email address giving the organization permission to contact you with news and information; and associations catering to your field. These publications keep you abreast of trends and other changes in your area. This is a type of self-training.

Review Your Plan and Progress
After writing your career plan and you begin to execute the action items listed in your plan, review your plan monthly, quarterly or annually. Going back to your plan keeps your career goal in the forefront of your mind and will allow you to see how close you are to achieving your career goals, and make changes if necessary. Remember that discouragement may come and it is natural. When it does, reread your career plan overview (the big picture) and get back on track.