lizabeth
Falk, an independent career coach in Arlington, Mass., uses this exercise to help
clients set goals. She points out different levels of goals and ways to categorize
goals within those levels. Falk can be reached at efalk@odyssey-consulting.com.
(1) Imagine yourself at age 80, and assume you have retired and are in good
health. How do the people who know you describe you? (If you can't choose only one
of these descriptions, rank the ones you choose in order of importance.)
- As an expert in your field, someone who serves as a resource for others and is
renowned within your former profession
- As the patriarch or matriarch of your family
- As a diligent worker and provider, whose life is simple but secure
- As someone who developed a breadth of knowledge within your profession
- As someone with a variety of interests, friends, and experiences, and with lots
of interesting stories to tell
Now elaborate on the description you have chosen. What will make you feel proud to
look back on your life? The things that come to mind are your life goals, things
to keep sight of in the long term. They may or may not have to do with your work
life.
(2) What is the most important thing to you at work? Money? A particular type
of project? Power? Flexibility? What do you most want to achieve professionally within
the next year?
These are your professional goals, things to work toward in the short term. You should
reevaluate them regularly.
(3) What is something you would like to add to or change in your life within
the next year? A relationship? Education? Fitness? Time for personal interests?
These are your personal goals. You should track your progress on them regularly;
they are critical to your well-being.
(4) What is one small step you can take toward any of these goals in the next
week? In the next month?
(5) Who will support you as you take this step?
(6) When will you complete this step?
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