It is a struggle but the quest to become better should be a goal that everyone must have. This applies to all spheres of life from a baby taking the first steps, marriage, relationships, career etc. This article focusses on becoming better career-wise.
Not all people have the burning desire to rise up on the corporate ladder but the edge to be better at what you do should never come to a standstill.
For some, it is getting better at speaking a particular language or driving a better car or working for a better company or owning a unique antique or having the latest mobile device and many more.
Unfortunately, economic conditions, necessity, and the simple twists and turns of life can lead you down a career path you’re not necessarily passionate about. Whether you’re stuck in a dead-end job, earning less than you want, or you simply aren’t appreciated, a negative perception of your career can be discouraging
Dream big, target your destination, and make sure you map out how you intend to get there. Here are some simple tips on how to make – and keep – a five-year plan:
Take This Simple Steps To Get Better
- Brainstorm Your Goals. Write down what you want to have, where you want to be, and the goals you want to achieve in the next five years. Goals must be SMART, meaning that they have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.
- Recognize What You Can Do Now. If your goal is to catch a promotion at work, what can you do today to get started? You may seek out a mentor or speak with your boss, a colleague or a Linkedin contact to formulate an idea for immediate action.
- Decide What to Do in the Next Year. Not all of your goals can be achieved instantly, so plan for the future. Certification in a new skill, saving up to start a business, or setting a goal to begin a job hunt are things you may be able to do over the course of the next year.
- Reward Milestones. A five-year plan can give you the feeling that your goals are pretty far off. Set regular milestones along the way and reward yourself when you meet them.
- Have Regular Status Meetings With Yourself. Evaluate your five-year plan regularly to see what’s working and what isn’t. You may need to adjust for contingencies along the way, such as a new job offer or a potential job loss. Don’t let a change in trajectory throw you completely off-course. Instead, reconfigure and set yourself on a new path to achieving your goals.
Conclusion
Remember, a continuous improvement mindset is what you should develop. There are a plethora of options available for personal development. These may include:
- Improving self-awareness
- Improving self-knowledge
- Improving skills and/or learning new ones
- Building or renewing identity/self-esteem
- Developing strengths or talents
- Improving a career
- Identifying or improving potential
- Building employability or (alternatively) human capital
- Enhancing lifestyle and/or the quality of life and time-management
- Improving health
- Improving wealth or social status
- Fulfilling aspirations
- Initiating a life enterprise
- Defining and executing personal development plans (PDPs)
- Improving social relations or emotional intelligence
- Spiritual identity development and recognition
Below are online resource providers to help you get better. You sign up for free and choose which subject area you prefer to learn. For the most part, acquisition of knowledge is free but you may have to pay to obtain a certificate.