Not Yet Crushing Your Goals?
Maybe your goals aren’t yet properly defined. Hmmmmmm, what on earth does that mean?
Well, if we were to look at a commonly stated goal in the fitness area, it would sound something like “I want to get more fit”.
This would lead me to ask you things like:
-how do you define “fitness”?
-what would it look like to “be more fit”?
-what does it feel like to “be more fit”?
Because, unless we know, specifically, what we’re aiming for, how do we know when we’ve found success?
Let’s apply this idea to searching for a new job since so many people are re-evaluating their careers during this upside down time.
Take that goal: “I want to get a new job". Many have shared this goal with me, and have also stated they’ve had no success just yet. I would suggest perhaps it is because the goal is not well defined.
So, on the surface, one could say, “well, I was in this job and now I am in a new job, therefore, goal achieved!”. Again, on the surface, this is true.
BUT, let’s dig deeper. WHY do you want a new job? What didn’t you like about the old job? And, is the new job going to fulfill all that you’re looking for?
Here’s the thing, you deserve the job that you want…..the one that is ideal for you…..the one that checks all of your “must-have” boxes……one that will pay you what you’re worth.
At a point in my life, when I was searching for a new job, a dear friend of mine, (who is also in Human Resources, so really knows of what he speaks in the role as my friend and as a professional) he said to me “take time to find what you really want, and DO NOT just settle for “the thing” that allows you to leave your current job. Because, in a few years, you’ll be right back where you are now.”. As I continued my search, his words stuck with me, and I am so grateful they did.
AND, from my friend’s advice, as well as some discussions from our Monday Morning Coaching Kick-start session this last Monday, I offer you what I call "a quick decision criteria” template to help you move towards creating a well defined goal, and ultimately, success.
Here are some questions to consider:
1) What have you done so far to define, and work towards, this goal? That is, what do you know already. That might be something like: “my current job requires me to work outside, and I am too bothered by the heat”. So in your “forever NO” column goes “jobs that require me to work outside”.
And I say “forever NO” because, the things that you have decided you are no longer willing to put up with need to stay at top of mind. BECAUSE, on a day where you’re really unhappy at your current job, you may consider just taking anything else to get out of where you are, rather than finding the best option for you.
2) What work and research have you done so far? In terms of work, this refers to the creation of three columns:
-”Forever NO”
-”Hmmmmm, that’s really interesting!”
-”My must haves”
The “why” behind the forever NO column is mentioned above. The “hmmmm, that’s really interesting” fits with the research info below. Finally, the “must-haves” column are the items you know you need to enjoy your job.
So, make these columns and begin to fill in all you learn about yourself as you move forward.
In terms of research, many people often don’t take time to research what kind of jobs are out there. There are jobs today that didn’t exist 5 years ago. Heck, there are jobs that didn’t exist one year ago. Have you attended webinars, listened to podcasts, talked to people in other jobs? Take time to explore.
At the beginning of the research process, I invite you to cast your net far and wide. You’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for, so don’t narrow your options by only searching for the exact title or training you have right now.
Now, this is where the quick decision criteria becomes really important. Learning what is not for you is just as important as finding what will be for you. And note, people can get lost here in the research section. So, as your quick decision criteria columns grows, take each learning opportunity and assign it to a category as soon as you have the ah-ha moment associated with that learning. For example, exploring a new job that is 75% outside work: that is in your “forever NO” category so DO NOT spend any more time on it once you’ve learned it requires you to be outside. Make a quick decision here…..don’t sit and consider it because you think you could some how “learn to love it”.
Do you see where we’re going with this? As your criteria chart grows, you’ll be able to use that chart to help you quickly make decisions about what is a firm NO, what is worth more exploration or what is a possible yes because it meets your must-haves.
If you’re unsure how to create your quick decision criteria, book a free coaching call by using the “book now” button on any page, and lets build yours to help you move towards those goals!
Stay well friends,
-Coach Deanna