Developing Your Career with Smart Goals

There are so many career possibilities that deciding the right career path can be scary. This is also an exciting process, and is one that will ultimately lead you to a career that is stimulating, and right for you. Studies show that the average person will change careers at least five times, and it's not unusual to change up to ten times. Your initial decision will not bind you for life, but it will give you some direction and help you start deciding what is right for you.

When you begin thinking about your career goals, it is important to explore your skills and interests. Find out what it is you love - are you interested in math? Do you like to paint? Once you have an idea what it is that makes you happy, research those occupations that may fit your personality and abilities. If you love working outside, perhaps accounting is not the right job for you.

After you decide what you're interested in, you need to figure out how to accomplish those goals. Spend time mapping out a plan for your path. Take courses in high school that will help you get ahead, especially if you want to go to college.

You can set goals the easy way by using the SMART Goals theory. According to Paul J. Meyer, www.topachievement.com, Smart Goals are:

• Specific- specific goals have a much greater chance of being accomplished. Ask yourself, who is involved in your goal, and what you want to accomplish. Also establish a time frame for the goal so you can have a deadline in which to achieve it.
• Measurable- Measurable goals help you monitor progress and keep on track. Ask yourself if your goal is something attainable.
• Attainable- Attainable goals are goals that are reasonable enough for you to develop the abilities, skills, and resources necessary to reach them. Mapping out a game plan helps you find opportunities you may have overlooked.
• Realistic- Realistic Goals represent an objective toward which you are willing and able to work. You can have a high goal which is realistic, but goals are usually only realistic if you believe that they can be accomplished.
• Tangible- Tangible goals are ones whose successes you can experience and enjoy, knowing that you completed the goal you set out for yourself.

Using Smart Goals, you can narrow down your career objectives, and find the way to make some of your dreams into reality. This is especially useful for important goals, such as attending a dream college or finding the career of your dreams.