Five Steps to Creating A Winning Career Plan
by Deborah Brown-Volkman, contributing columnist

Having trouble deciding what to do with your career? Are there too many choices or not enough? Are you looking for direction or a word from above that will show you the way?

There are times in our career when we are at a crossroads. Some of us actively seek our next step, while others wait for the next step to come to them. If you believe you can have a career that will bring you excitement and fulfillment, then you will have that. If you believe that work is work, and it's all about making it to the weekend, then "working for the weekend" will be your reality.

So, How Can Do You Find A Career That Will Bring You Joy and Satisfaction? Follow These Five Steps:

1. Describe What You Want

You cannot get what you want until you can describe what it is. Create a detailed description of what is important to you in your career. What do you see yourself doing if there were no perceived obstacles in your way? Do not screen yourself or get bogged down with logistics. Give yourself the freedom to brainstorm. This may not be a quick exercise, and it may be frustrating at times, but it will give you a strong foundation to build on.

2. Explore Your Options

What did you learn from Step 1? Did you discover that you described something you have been thinking about for a long time, but are uncertain where to start? Did you come up with a few possible career choices, but are unsure which one to select? Did you come up with a few ideas, but nothing concrete?

Take your ideas and turn them into real career choices. Begin with research. Get on the Internet and read whatever you can. Start talking with people who are doing what you would like to do. Ask them how they got to where they are, and what you can do to follow in their footsteps. Use contacts you have today or people you don't know yet. Go for it! What do you have to lose?

3. Create Your Game Plan

Once you have your description, and the exploratory process is complete, it is time to go after what you want!

Here are three steps to put into your plan:

a) What Do You Want? Example: I want to change careers, get promoted, or enhance my attitude.

b) When Will Your WHAT Be Achieved? Example: 3 months from now, 6 months, etc? Be specific.

c) How Will You Get There? Take what you gathered from the exploratory process and put these steps into your calendar. You have already found out what you need to do. Now, it's time to make it real.

4. Implement Your Plan

This step is about keeping the momentum going no matter what. Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Strive to meet them. Persistence and forward movement is what will help you reach your goal.

5. Reach Your Goal

This is the step where you get to applaud yourself for all your hard work and effort. You get to be proud of what you accomplished. You made it! Acknowledge yourself for being uncertain and going after what you wanted anyway. Not only did this process build character, it also brought you what you want.

Congratulations on discovering that you can handle anything that comes your way.

 

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Deborah Brown is a noted Career and Mentor Coach that shows Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals, and Coaches how to transition into careers they love, excel in the careers they have now, start their own businesses, and find time for themselves. She is the author of the "21-Day Career Empowerment" program. This 21-day e-mail program gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to either choose their current position or their next career To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com , send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.