We spend so much of our time at work. Some may argue that we spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our families! So wouldn’t we want to ensure we are in a career that we love?
In my coaching practice, I have come across so many women who simply don’t know how to design their own careers. To tap into their inner career warrior, let out their strongest warrior cry and create the action plan that will move them ahead.
I won’t say it is easy, but I will say it is important. Important enough for serious consideration and something I encourage all of the women I mentor to participate in. Here are the 5 steps to Creating a Career Action Plan.
- Know exactly where you are now.
- Know exactly what you want to accomplish.
- Build a Flexible Strategy
- Take Action
- Review and Revise.
Before you can take a giant leap forward, you must first recognize where you are today. How else will you know how far you need to leap? This step is about reflecting on your current situation and your current skills. You have to first know exactly where you are before you can build the map to where you want to go.
Next, it is important to identify your destination. Where is it you want to go? What do you want to accomplish in your career? In my 94 Day Challenge Program, I have participants write their Eulogies. Tell me how they want to be remembered and I asked them to use very descriptive language. A fulfilling career is more than a title and compensation, it is about the impact you want to leave on the world. Your legacy, so know exactly what you want to accomplish.
People are often taught to be firm in their approach when trying to reach a goal and I am going to tell you the complete opposite. Be firm on the target, but be flexible on the strategy. Let’s face it, life happens. Sometimes we need to alter our approach to get to our outcome. A flexible strategy allows this to happen. You will still keep your goals – that will not change, but how you reach them, may need to. Build a flexible strategy.
The most important thing you can do is to take action. Get up and do something that will make a difference. Every day you want to strive to do something new and something different that will lead you closer to your goal. 99% of the people fail, simply because they didn’t take action.
Your career action plan is something that you will need to review on a regular basis and revise the tasks if needed. This part of the process keeps you focused on the plan most of the time and thinking about ways to get to your goals faster. Keep your plan in front of you always and set reminders to review on a regular basis.
I know you are asking yourself, Why do I need a Career Action Plan? And my response is simple, if you don’t have a plan it is simply a wish. Something you would like to do. When you sit down and create a plan that addresses all the steps mentioned, you are building yourself a road map and finding creative ways to get what you need to move your career ahead.
If you are interest in a tool to help you, download our complementary template “Develop a Career Action Plan“.
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Tell me what steps are you taking in your career action plan. List some of your tasks in the comments below.