Get Off the Treadmill!

Are you working away your life but feel like you are getting nowhere? Now is the time to get off the treadmill and begin to run free! It is easy to get so focused on the tasks at hand, mired in daily responsibilities, and driven by a non-stop hectic pace. But there is a way to get off the proverbial treadmill and redirect your career. Here are some key steps to take:

1. STOP the treadmill! You need to stop it or step off of it to evaluate what your career goals are. That does not mean you need to quit your job… things are tough enough economically so you do not need to put yourself financially at risk! Just set aside some time to consider where you have been, where you are and where you are going. Do you like what you are doing? Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years? What are the opportunities where you are currently working? The assessment process is an essential first step.
2. Set your GOALS: No one ever makes much progress in any endeavor or aspect of life without goals. When you were a child your goal may have been to have fun, build a sand castle, or ride across the neighborhood faster than ever before… They were short term objectives as you lived for the moment. No doubt we should enjoy each day and make the most of it; but when it comes to our careers, we need to put away childish ways and consider the future. Based on your assessment, what do you want to accomplish in your career? Set at least 3 – 5 goals. Too many are hard to track and can be too overwhelming causing one to get discouraged and even give up. Set long, medium and short range goals. Similar to organizations, you need to have a vision, a mission and specific goals to achieve the vision and mission. Goals should be realistic and defined with specific time frames and measurable results. Answer the question, how will I know when I have accomplished my goals?
3. Develop your PLAN: Once your goals are clear, develop your game plan to accomplish them. How will you accomplish your goals? Do you need more education or training? Do you need to make a job change? Should you consider working for a different employer? Should you be your own boss? Your answers to these questions will shape your game plan dramatically.
4. IMPLEMENT your plan: Now you are ready to start running again… or walking if you prefer, but get moving in your new direction. No standing, walking or running in place – getting back on the tread mill is not an option if you want to move your career forward! Implementation takes focus, determination, and discipline.
5. MONITOR your progress: No plan is perfect and one can never anticipate every bump in the road. So be attentive to changing conditions, opportunities, and threats to your plan and goals. You may need to modify your short or medium range goals, adjust your plan, or seek mentoring or coaching support. Having someone who has more experience and whom you trust to be a sounding board and to hold you accountable is very wise.
6. REINFORCE YOUR VISION: Remind yourself of your direction and ultimate destination frequently. This is a self motivating imperative and can help you overcome short and medium term obstacles. Occasionally, perhaps annually, re-evaluate your vision. Is it still your heart’s desire? Is it attainable? Have you developed the appropriate goals and plan to achieve it?

You are now ready to run free to achieve all you want to be in your career! The treadmill is a thing of the past. Your future is within your control and your vision within your reach. Enjoy your new found freedom as your career path opens before you.

By Sheryl Dawson