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Now that you have a firm idea about what you want to do, it's time to plan how you will get there.
Write down your goal
- Picturing yourself in your dream job can help you focus
Write down your goal. Be specific. The best goals are simple and realistic – they don’t have to be huge!
Then make a plan. Be specific. For example:
- I want to become a children’s nurse
- I want to fix car or truck engines
- I want to use my creative skills and look at careers in design
- I want to set up my own business selling the gift cards I make
- I want to return to work part time to fit in with the school day.
Plan how you will reach your goal
Write down the steps you'll need to take to reach your goal.
Step 1: Do some research
To help you get started, do some research by looking at websites or talking to people in the job that you are interested in for advice.
Step 2: Identify any obstacles that will stop you reaching your goal
Work out if there are any obstacles to stop you reaching your goal. Note these down, and then make a plan to remove these obstacles.
For example, you may have childcare issues to sort out. So make a list of childcare providers in your area and their charges and waiting lists.
Or, you may need to update or gain new IT skills to help with your CV and confidence to apply for a job. Look at what courses are available, start dates, costs and length of course.
Step 3: Get other people to support you
Think about involving your family/whānau and friends in your plans, so they can support you. Sometimes one of the biggest obstacles you'll face is maintaining your motivation and commitment to reach your goal. It is easy to get put off your plans if another obstacle gets in your way.
Talking to others about your goals can also make things clearer. They may suggest ideas you haven't considered.
Step 4: Regularly review how you're doing.
Regularly check in with your plan to see how you are doing. Check off the things you have achieved, and add any new steps.
Remember, this isn't a one-way process. You'll probably have to repeat these steps a number of times to turn your vision into reality. It is OK to change your plan or add to it as your thinking about your goal continues.
An example of goal setting
Goal: To become a horse trainer.
Steps I'll take to achieve this goal:
- I'll do a National Certificate in Equine at the local polytech, which I will apply for in November.
- I'll try to find a part-time job next month as a stablehand, so I'm getting experience in the industry.
"Always strive for long-term goals and make little goals first. For instance, if you want to be a world-class restaurant manager, then start at the bottom and be a kitchen hand. Then take a night course on being a waiter while you are working as a kitchen hand. That way you can slowly work up the ladder."
Jay Dunlop, Mature Student and Part-time Call Centre Worker
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