Setting Career Intentions Instead Of Career Goals
Goal setting is talked about a lot. Most would say that when you set and commit to goals you increase the chances of achieving the outcome you want.
I know there have been times when I have set goals and achieved what I had hoped to. On the other hand there have been times when I set goals but failed to achieve what I want.
More often than not people start to think about career goals at the start of a year or more likely when their situation is about to change. A lot of us will never really consider career goals at all and just go with the flow. Some might even resist setting goals at all through fear of disappointment.
One thing that you might want to think about as an alternative to setting career goals is setting career intentions.
An intention is essentially an aim. On the other hand they feel a whole lot less demanding than say a really specific goal.
If you are an accountant or some other professional you may well set several intentions in relation to your career. For example:
To do something every month to improve my skills or knowledge
To better communicate complex information to those from a non technical background
To stand back and look at what I am doing well and what I need to improve when it comes to serving customers or clients
To take on a new project or activity at work that stretches me, broadens my experience and takes me out of my comfort zone
To help someone else who is just starting out in our profession as a workplace mentor
The good thing about intentions is that they provide you with the opportunity to reflect, consciously decide what action you will take and grow you personally and professionally.
So what intentions are you going to set in relation to your career over the coming months?
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and professionals achieve more career success. Learn more here
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.