Let's start with a blank canvas. Imagine you're unemployed. Now what? 

• What do you like doing and learning?
• Who do you like working with?
• Where do you like to work?
• How much money do you want to make?
• Why do you work?

Unlock your full potential and take your career to new heights by embracing the power of goal setting. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to take your career to the next level, mapping out your future aspirations is a must. Take a step back and reflect on where you are now and where you want to be in the future. By embracing these three fundamental principles, you'll be well on your way to achieving your career dreams:

1. Deep reflections and self-awareness. Grab a journal (see some of our favorites here; we also present online journal tools in this blog, Navigating School, Work, and Home with Adult ADHD), find a quiet space and take an assessment of your skills, experiences, and life goals. This can help identify areas where you need to improve or areas where you want to focus your efforts. One way to do this is to create a personal annual report, which is essentially a self-assessment of your career progress, things you've enjoyed about your day-to-day work, things you've disliked, and intriguing opportunities. This can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you a better understanding of where you want to go next. Also, take the time to reassess your goals and priorities and make any necessary adjustments. This can be especially helpful if you have recently been fired or have experienced a career setback. Instead of dwelling on the past, take the opportunity to start fresh and create a new plan for success.

2. Continuous learning and self-education. When setting career goals, you must consider what you want to learn and what skills you want to develop. These could be skills that are valuable in your current industry, or there could be adjacent skills or sectors that you want to explore. In today's rapidly changing job market, a willingness to learn new things is critical to stay ahead of the curve and positioning yourself for career advancements and pivots. Self-education can take many forms, such as attending conferences and workshops, participating in online courses and webinars, reading industry publications, and even seeking out mentorship and coaching opportunities. By constantly expanding your knowledge and skill set, you'll be able to adapt to the changing needs and add value to any domain. Furthermore, understanding if there are certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) can lead to new opportunities and advancements. Embracing a lifelong learning mindset is beneficial not only for career growth but also for personal growth and fulfillment.

3. Prioritize yourself and always stay prepared. Our endless slack messages, constant unread emails, and urgent work projects keep us busy. When there is no immediate need to find a job, we often deprioritize our professional development. However, we must stay disciplined in making time for ourselves and our future. Being prepared for job opportunities is crucial in today's competitive job market. Key aspects of preparation are:

• Maintaining an up-to-date resume that accurately reflects your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Creating different versions that lean into specific domains or skill sets will help broaden your options.
• Also, regularly read job descriptions and research companies and industries to see who is hiring and what types of jobs are available. This can help you understand the current job market and identify trends of future opportunities.
• Set up a LinkedIn profile and update it. Always respond to recruiters, so you practice your interview skills and stay prepared to discuss your experience and qualifications.

By taking the time to prepare and be proactive in your job search, you can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity, advancing your career, and setting yourself up with options at all times. 

Setting and achieving career goals is vital to success in any field. It's important to remember that your career goals should not be treated in a silo. Consider how your career goals fit in with your overall life goals, such as wealth, health, and relationships. This can help you create a more holistic plan for success. By being proactive and open to new opportunities, you can stay competitive and position yourself for financial security and long-term career success and growth.