You need a clear vision to travel to new heights in your career …

You need a clear vision to travel to new heights in your career …We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.” – Jonathan Swift, Irish Author and Satirist In the course of my practice, I meet new people each and every week who are in the state of flux in their career, sometimes caused by things good, sometimes not good. One common need I see in all – they need a vision of where they are going so they can proceed. Some may call vision direction, or a plan – it is all the same: Having a specific and concrete vision of how you want your future shaped, what you want to do on your terms and how you will measure your success. Sadly, many go through their career without a vision – they just do their job. They are not motivated, have little passion for what they do and just go by day-to-day. That is no way to live when there is an alternative, if one will just open their eyes and see their vision. I tell many of my clients – looking for a job isn’t that difficult with technology today – but without a clear vision, the task is daunting if not impossible. Having a clear vision is the roadmap to take you from where you are today to where you want to be – somewhat of a GPS of your life. Without a clear vision of the goal, situation or value you want to deliver – really anything you are pushing for – you cannot see it, and when you achieve it, you won’t realize it. Sound like you? What do you do? • First, commit – commit to making a change in your career life for the better which will have a positive impact on all part of your life. This is the toughest step for sure. I know I hammer this over and over again – it is just so critical. • Identify the ideal career or job situation for you – and write down the specifics. It might be setting, physical location, type of people you work with, type of work you are doing, compensation, etc. Just detail it and write it down – this is critical. Keep this “list” in front of you always, in clear view. • Identify where your ideal situation exist through research, networking, securing professional advice to help you if needed. Be open minded; ask questions; find the answers. • Create a clear vision statement for yourself – what do you want to be, what do you want to accomplish and then set metrics around your vision – timelines, measurements etc. • Reward yourself when you move through the steps above – hey, we are human – rewards work to push performance! Buy yourself something – take a few moments to savor your progress. A career vision statement is really "big picture" thinking. It should focus on what you want to aspire to -- and that should inspire you -- regardless of where you are now. A career vision statement opens your eyes to what is possible and gives you something tangible to move toward. Unlike a career or personal mission statement, which focuses on who and where you are now, a career vision statement is documenting a mental image of the future you. A career vision statement describes the absolute peak of where you envision yourself in your career -- not necessarily your current career, but the career you really want, the career that will completely fulfill you. What does a career vision statement look like? Some examples; notice how simplistic and direct: I will become a well-known and respected leader in the food industry, revitalizing the ways food is produced and marketed, making healthier products to help people live better lives. I will become a leader in my organization, helping transform it into an organization that respects all its stakeholders -- while at the same time being the best husband and father I can be. Clear vision provides clarity; without clarity, fear sets in and will stop most dead in their tracks. Don’t let that be you. Start thinking; start writing! And thank you for reading this. -Dan Dan Moran President & Founder Next-Act Career Management & Transition Specialists Celebrating 24 years providing career management services in 2012! 125 Wolf Road, Suite #128 Albany, NY 12205 Office: 518-261-4212 Cell: 518-641-8968 eFax: 586-279-4212 dmoran@next-act.com