If you’ve just joined us, here’s a quick update:

1. I’m burned out and desperate for a new career (since 2001!) 
2. I had no clue what direction I should or could take.  
3. I became convinced that I’d grown into a fat, lazy old lady with motivation or drive left.
4. After some serious soul-searching, I realized it wasn’t a lack of motivation to change, it was the direction I had chosen. It’s hard to be motivated when your heart just isn’t in it.  
5. I finally, very recently, figured out what I want to do. It’s astounding how quickly that drive and determination comes back when the goal feels right!

OK, so now what?  

For me, figuring out the right path was the hardest part.  If you’re still not sure about what you should do with your life, I definitely recommend a visit to LiveCareer.com. They offer a free online occupational assessment that was really helpful to me. 

Now for the next steps — creating a plan and putting it into action.

One thing I knew up front: I needed a clear vision of what success looked like to be able to figure out how to make it happen. Think of it as a road trip. If my goal was just going to Florida, I’d end up wandering around the sunshine state trying to figure out what to do and wasting precious time off. But if I chose Disney World, I’d know exactly where to drive, how much the tickets cost and what time the park opens.

Same thing with a career.  I had to be specific and ask myself these questions:

• What would my life look like when I’ve “made it”? — Do I work from home or in a huge office building? Do I live where I do now, or near the beach or perhaps in a big city? How much do I earn?
• What is “success” to me? — Money? Travel? Being my own boss? Spending more time with my family? Making a difference in my community? Championing a special cause?
• Fill in the blank…If __________ happened, I’d know I’d made it! — When I was in my early 20s, I thought that if I got to visit New York for work and stay at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, that I would have MADE IT! Boy, do ambitions change.  
• What goals do I want reach in life? — Retire and sail around the Caribbean with my husband…actually be able to retire…be able to pay for my kids’ college education…open a little bake shop in Key West, etc.

If you are struggling with this too, get a clear vision of what you want out of life and write it down. This guiding vision will help you develop a plan of attack.  More on how to do that tomorrow…

Written by Jenn on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Filed under Career Change, Getting Motivated, Jenn, Setting Goals.
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