When I decided to quit corporate and become a self-employed freelancer, I started by evaluating my stamina - and I realised I wasn’t as hardworking as I used to be 😅 So, I took on small-scale projects to test the waters and see where my efforts would bring the best returns for the time I was willing to invest. If something didn’t work, I let it fail fast and moved on. But when something clicked, I focused on scaling and developing it further. The trick is to set goals that aligned with my interests, energy, and priorities. Adapt as we go, go, go! ✌️

Yes, setting meaningful career goals is important as it gives you direction and a sense of purpose in your professional journey. To ensure they are realistic and achievable, it helps to align them with the SMART framework: - Measurable: Set metrics to track progress. For instance, “I will complete three leadership training programs this year.” - Achievable: Be realistic based on your skills, resources, and time. Push yourself, but don’t set goals that feel impossible. - Relevant: Make sure your goals align with your long-term vision and passions. Ask yourself, “Will this take me closer to the career I truly want?” - Time-bound: Set a deadline to stay focused. For example, “I will achieve this certification by December next year.”

Here are 5 practical steps to help you define and achieve meaningful career objectives: 1. Self-Assess: Begin by evaluating your strengths, skills, and interests. Reflect on your values and what drives you professionally. Understand where you need improvement, extra skills. 2. Break It Down: Divide your larger career aspirations into smaller steps. Focus on short-term objectives. 3. Seek Feedback. Consult with mentors, or career coaches for guidance. Use insights to refine your goals and strategies. Be open to constructive feedback. 4. Stay Flexible. Recognize that goals may evolve as you gain experience or face new challenges. Be willing to adapt to changes. 5. Track Progress. Regularly review your progress. Celebrate achievements.

Setting meaningful career goals involves ensuring they are both realistic and achievable by employing the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Reflect on your skills and resources to determine what is feasible within a certain timeframe, while also aligning your aspirations with your values and career trajectory. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals in response to progress and obstacles can keep them grounded and attainable, ultimately enhancing your motivation and likelihood of success.

Career goals should excite you like a surprise bonus, not dread you like a Monday morning meeting! To keep those goals realistic: • 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀. Think marathon training, not a sudden sprint. • 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆. Each milestone reached fuels motivation for the next. • 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲. The job market's a dynamic landscape, be flexible and adapt. Most importantly, remember that "achievable" is subjective. Your unique skills and determination are your secret weapons. Go get 'em!

Realistic? Sure, but that’s not always the point. Sometimes we get so caught up in setting “achievable” goals that we forget to leave room for a little audacity. The real question is — are you willing to stretch enough to meet the version of yourself who can make them happen?

Meaningful career goals are not just about achieving milestones but about creating a pathway for continuous growth. To ensure they are realistic and achievable, consider: 🔹 Aligning with your purpose: Goals that reflect your values and passions are more motivating and sustainable over time. 🔹 Building flexibility: Life often throws surprises—embrace adaptability to adjust your approach without losing sight of your vision. 🔹 Celebrating progress: Acknowledge small wins along the way to maintain momentum and boost confidence. Career goals become truly meaningful when they inspire personal fulfillment and long-term resilience.

This feels like it is missing a lot. Decomposing a goal into bite-size pieces with deadlines and resources looks a lot like good project management. It can also look a lot like bad career planning. The most crucial thing in meaningful career goals isn't making the SMART. It is making them RIGHT. R - Reflect on your purpose I- Investigate opportunities G - Generate options H - Hone in on the right ones T - Test and adjust We can spend all of our lives climbing a ladder only to find out that it is leaning on the wrong wall. Think about the life you want in a holistic sense and whether or not your work is delivering it. If you're not sure how - DM me I'm happy to help.

to maintain focus and motivation. Reality Check: * Assess your skills and experience: Identify any gaps and create a plan to acquire necessary skills (e.g., courses, certifications). * Research market demand: Ensure there are opportunities for your desired role. * Consider potential obstacles: Develop strategies to overcome challenges (e.g., competition, financial limitations). Action Plan: * Break down goals into smaller, manageable steps. * Create a timeline with deadlines for each step. * Identify necessary resources (e.g., mentors, financial support). * Track progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed. By following these guidelines, you can set meaningful career goals that guide your professional journey towards success.

Such an insightful approach to setting career goals! Prioritization and aligning goals with a broader vision and mission are essential for creating a clear roadmap to success. I’ve found that when my career goals align with an organization’s mission or my personal “why,” it’s easier to stay focused and motivated, even when challenges arise.