Setting Career Goals: The Roadmap to Success (And Why You Need One)
Let me ask you this—when was the last time you set a career goal that truly excited you? Not just one that was expected, like getting a promotion or a raise, but a goal that sparked something in you—a vision that made you want to jump out of bed in the morning?
Transparently, I’ve been feeling stuck in my career lately. As much as I preach goal-setting, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, checking off tasks, and staying “busy.” I’m a part of an amazing group, my Ellevate Squad, and recently, I shared my struggles with them. We spent time brainstorming ways to get me “unstuck,” and a large part of it came down to setting goals for myself—clear, realistic, actionable goals that align with my true passions and where I want to go, not just where I currently am.
And here’s the kicker: setting career goals doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It’s all about taking control of your future, one step at a time. It isn’t just about the next step—it’s about defining a path that aligns with your ambitions, values, and passions.
Why Career Goals Matter:
Think of career goals like your personal GPS. Without them, you’re just wandering from job to job, position to position, hoping you land somewhere you like. With goals in place, you have a clear destination. You know where you’re going and what steps you need to take to get there.
Having defined goals:
Gives you direction: You’re not just working for the sake of it—you’re working with a purpose.
Keeps you motivated: Knowing what you’re working towards can make the journey feel worthwhile.
Helps you prioritize: When you have goals, it’s easier to say “no” to things that don’t align with where you’re going.
Start with the End in Mind:
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to start with the end in mind. What does success look like for you? Is it leading a department, switching industries, becoming a thought leader, or starting your own business? Define your ultimate vision, and then break it down into smaller, actionable steps.
A Simple Framework for Setting Career Goals:
Vision: Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or even 15 years? Think big, but also think about what excites you.
Break It Down: Once you have that big vision, break it down into smaller, manageable goals. These are the stepping stones that will get you to your ultimate destination.
Example: If your goal is to become a department leader, smaller goals might include mastering your current role, taking leadership training, and networking with senior leaders.
Set Milestones: Milestones keep you on track. What do you need to accomplish in the next 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? These are your checkpoints.
Be Flexible: Goals can—and often do—change. Be open to revisiting and revising them as needed.
Be Willing to Adjust the Map:
While setting career goals is crucial, it's equally important to remember that goals aren’t set in stone. As your passions evolve and life circumstances shift, your goals should adapt alongside them. I’ve learned this firsthand. The career path I envisioned five or ten years ago is vastly different from where I am today—and that’s okay.
Think of your goals as a map, not a rigid path. If you discover a new passion or realize your priorities have shifted, don’t hesitate to adjust your route or even create an entirely new map. The beauty of goal-setting is that it’s personal—it should reflect where you are right now and where you want to go, not where you thought you’d be years ago. Give yourself permission to pivot, change direction, and dream a new dream.
Remember, growth isn’t linear. The road to success often has twists and turns, but those changes are part of the journey. As you refine your goals, stay open to new possibilities. Sometimes, what seems like a detour may lead you to an even better destination.
SMART Goals Are Still Smart:
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals before, and for good reason—they work. SMART goals are:
Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
Measurable: How will you track your progress?
Achievable: Is the goal realistic for where you are right now?
Relevant: Does this goal align with your overall career vision?
Time-bound: What’s the timeline for achieving this goal?
Let’s put this into context: Let’s say you want to pivot into a new industry. Your SMART goal might look like this:
“I want to transition into the tech industry by completing a certification in coding within 6 months and networking with at least 5 professionals in that field by the end of the year.”
Prioritize Personal Development:
Setting career goals isn’t just about the professional side of things—it’s about who you are as a person. What skills do you want to develop? What knowledge do you want to gain? Whether it’s mastering public speaking, learning a new software, or gaining experience in leadership, personal growth is key to career success.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that investing in yourself pays the best dividends (or so my therapist says…😏). So, while you’re setting career goals, don’t forget to set personal development goals alongside them.
Overcome the Fear of Big Goals:
One reason people shy away from goal-setting is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of not being "enough." Fear of thinking too big and falling short. But here's the thing—fear is part of the process. Big goals should scare you a little—that means you're aiming for growth.
Start small if you need to, but don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. Every career milestone I’ve hit has come after moments of self-doubt. It's normal. Just remember that every mickle mek a muckle—small, consistent efforts lead to big results over time.
Your “Board of Directors” Can Help:
As I mentioned in my previous blog, having a board of directors can make all the difference when you’re setting career goals. Each one brings a unique perspective to the table:
Mentors provide hindsight, sharing their past experiences to help you avoid pitfalls.
Sponsors offer foresight, using their influence to create opportunities for you.
Coaches provide insight, helping you sharpen your strategies and stay accountable to your goals.
Don’t hesitate to lean on your network to help shape and refine your goals. For me, in this season, my Ellevate Squad has been that invaluable support system, providing structure, guidance, and accountability. But your "board" doesn’t have to be formal—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you win. Whether formal or informal, the right support can accelerate your growth.
Track Your Progress:
Setting goals is one thing—tracking them is another. You need a way to measure your progress, and that’s where my Accomplishment Tracker comes in. It’s designed to help you document your wins, stay focused on your career vision, and track your growth along the way.
If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now’s the perfect time. Whether you’re aiming for that next promotion or transitioning into a new industry, keeping a record of your accomplishments will keep you motivated and ready to act when the right opportunity comes knocking.
Conclusion:
Setting career goals is one of the most important steps you can take in your professional journey. It’s not about setting unattainable dreams or checking off boxes. It’s about creating a roadmap that aligns with your vision, staying flexible, and giving yourself the space to grow.
So, are you ready to set some career goals? If you’re not sure where to start or need help refining your strategy, let’s chat! As a coach, I’m here to help you set goals that not only excite you but set you up for long-term success.
And remember, “wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.”
~ Meisha
