Career Goal Setting: 10 Criteria for Goal Setting

The importance of setting goals cannot be stressed enough, especially in the terms of building a fulfilling career. Online dictionary defines the word goal as “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aimed; end.” Aimlessness is bound to ensure without setting career goals.

Without set plans to further advance, navigating your career is going to be difficult. To become the next Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, or Meg Whitman, carefully construct career goals around these 10 following criteria’s to not get lost—emotionally and physically, down the long road.

Goals must be specific—First and foremost, state exactly what you want out of your chosen career or what you want from a career. Be specific as possible. What market? What position? What do you want to do? Once you’ve figured out where you’d like to be five, ten years down the line, the next plan is how to get there.

Set short and long term goals—You are not going to be a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company overnight and it shouldn’t be rushed either if you want it done right. Business goal setting should be realistic. Take baby steps first to prepare yourself, learn the skills, change career path if needed to get to where you want or need to be to become the next Steve Jobs.

Measure the outcome—When you have your sight on a goal, make sure you take measurable steps to reach it. With each goal set should be tied to an action or a deadline. For example, if you desire a career in the publication industry in the next five years, take the proper steps: graduate in four years, and during those four years you’re going to have two internships and a part-time job to gain invaluable experience.

Write down your goals on paper—Although this may seem like a waste of time, it’s an integral part of career goal setting. Being able to visually see your goals in the context of the written word makes your goal a viable action instead of a dream.

Keep your goals realistic—Do not set yourself up for impossible goals. When constructing business goal setting, take realistic steps to your ultimate goal.

Set different career goals in different timeframe— You are not going get hired as an editor right after college. Your short term goal to get to your long term goal as an editor is to get an editorial assistant position.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment—Success cannot be measured by standards of others because everyone measures success differently. Becoming a top executive might measure up as a successful career to some, while owning a small flower shop can be the dream job to others. Measure success from your viewpoint, not you peer.

Expect the unexpected—There is always the possibility of something going wrong or an unexpected event that can delay you from your dreams. Don’t stress too much and try to take everything in stride.

Prepare to fail—There’s an old proverb quote, “You win some, you lose some.” The ride to your career goal is going to have its ups and downs. There may be times when your best intentions or your best efforts might not be good enough. Be prepared to fail along the way to your dreams.

Learn to be resilient—Goal setting is a plan to help guide you, it’s not set in stones. Life is life, there are no guarantees. Do not despair if you’re thrown of your set career goals. To survive and come out for the better, it’s important to grow a thick skin and learn to be persistent.