Setting career goals doesn’t have to feel like scaling a mountain. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by starting small. Short-term career goals are your ticket to gaining clarity, building confidence, and taking actionable steps towards your dream career. Let’s break it down and figure out how to set goals you can achieve immediately.
1. Figure Out Where You’re At
Start by looking at your current role or situation. Ask yourself:
• What am I already good at?
• What do I need to get better at?
• What do I enjoy doing the most in my job?
This introspection is a bit like taking a selfie of your career – you need to know where you stand before deciding where to go next.
2. Know Your Big Picture
Your short-term goals should lead you closer to your bigger dreams. Even if you’re not sure what your long-term plan is, think about what interests you. For example:
• Do you want to manage a team someday?
• Are you dreaming of starting your own business?
Keep these things in mind while setting smaller, achievable goals.
3. Break It Down
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to slice them into smaller pieces. For instance:
• Instead of saying, ’I want to become a better public speaker,’ try:
o Join a public speaking workshop.
o Volunteer to give a presentation at your next team meeting.
o Watch videos of great speakers and take notes.
Small steps make big goals easier to tackle.
4. Set SMART Goals
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how to do it:
• Specific: Say exactly what you want to do.
• Measurable: Decide how you’ll track progress.
• Achievable: Make sure it’s realistic.
• Relevant: Pick something that helps your career.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline.
For example: ’I’ll finish a basic digital marketing course in three months to boost my resume.’
5. Talk To Your Boss Or Mentor
Your manager or mentor can be a great guide. Share your goals with them – they might suggest helpful resources, assign you new responsibilities, or even connect you to people who can help.
6. Focus On Skills Everyone Needs
If you’re not sure where to start, work on transferable skills like:
• Communication: Write better emails or present ideas more confidently.
• Time management: Plan your day better to get more done.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with your colleagues.
These skills that will always come in handy, no matter what field you’re in.
7. Make Use Of What’s Around You
There are so many resources available now! From online platforms like Udemy and Coursera to company-sponsored training, there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn. Even free YouTube tutorials can help you pick up a new skill.
8. Celebrate Your Wins
No achievement is too small. Finished a course? Great! Gave a solid presentation? Pat yourself on the back. Celebrating your progress keeps you motivated to move forward.
9. Be Ready To Adjust
Life throws surprises, and so do careers. Don’t stress if your goals need a bit of tweaking along the way. Adapt as you go and focus on what makes sense at the time.
Some Easy Goals To Begin With
• Build your network: Connect with three new people on LinkedIn this month.
• Learn something new: Take a crash course in a skill related to your job.
• Organise your work life: Start using a planner or app to track your tasks.
• Improve your visibility: Post one professional update on LinkedIn every week.
• Boost work-life balance: Make it a rule to not check work emails after a certain time.
Short-term career goals aren’t just about ticking things off a list – they’re about progress. By focusing on where you are and where you want to go, you’ll set yourself up for success step by step.
So, what’s the first goal you’re going to chase? Whatever it is, start small, stay consistent, and watch yourself grow!