Posted by Pratibha On Thursday, February 4, 2010 @ 04:50 AM

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We begin to plan our career much before we graduate. So, it’s not surprising that when people ask us, “What are your career plans?” we have an appropriate answer like, “I want to become a doctor, engineer, writer, journalist, etc.” And if the same question is put to a proletarian, he would say, “I want to be promoted or undertake a new job or start my own venture.”

However, do you think that one’s plans alone are enough to shape your future? Brian Tracy opines, “A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” Of course, your clear plans and objectives are sure to take you places, but there still remains an unanswered question, “How will you go about achieving your desired results?” The answer to this is strategy. Devising an appropriate strategy to shape your career sounds too complicated and more of a managerial tool useful for businesses, but believe me, it is an effective instrument in this avenue too.

And now, if you are thinking about means to enhance your career this New Year, I invite you to read some powerful and proven steps listed below.

List all that you desire to achieve this New Year. Don’t worry about its length, just put it all down. Now, condense the list and bring out the one thing that you want most to achieve in 2010. The statement should be as simple as, “This year, I will get promoted as Senior Manager.” Once you have identified your desire, list all the activities that can help you reach your goal. Ensure that you structure them according to priority and sequence.

We all agree that time is an important factor while planning your timelines and delivery schedules. The French General, Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Strategy is the art of making use of time and space. I am less concerned about the latter than the former. Space we can recover, lost time never.” Therefore, it is a matter of concern to set timelines and achieve your goals within the specified time.

Adjust your strategy and base it on your new goals and desires. Review your plans often and remain focused on the right things that will help you get to your destiny easily and confidently.

I hope you find the ideas here useful. However, at the end of the day, mere career planning is insufficient. It is career strategy that enables you to conquer your goals. So, if you do not have a career strategy, it is never too late to start as the old and wise saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Let’s raise a toast to your career.

Tags: Career, Career Plans, Career Strategy, goals

Posted by Pratibha On Thursday, February 4, 2010 @ 04:50 AM