Navigating the career course is like driving a car. When you get in a car you usually do two things: first you decide where you need or want to go and then you buckle your seat belt for the ride. Think about it. How will you know when you have found the right career and job fit? Just saying that you'll know when you find it is like get in the car and driving with no real place to go. You waste a lot of time, energy, and gas. You need to be very specific about what you want for your work life. You have to start with the destination in mind. You have to have a plan and know where you want to go.

You'll never know you have arrived if you never knew where you were going. There are three questions you need to ask yourself, Who am I? Where am I going? How will I get there? Starting with your final destination gives you a point from which to measure driving time and the shortest most effective route. You can then direct your attention and efforts to stay on course towards your goal.

A goal (the what) and a plan (the how) of completion give you both context and a direction to follow but they don't guarantee a smooth ride. With a great plan you may still hit some bumps along the way. That's why you need to make sure that you are wearing your seatbelt. Not because you are expecting a crash but because it's better to be prepared just in case.

8 Career Planning Strategies:

1) Figure out where YOU want to go.
2) Identify the business NEED.
3) Assess your SKILLS.
4) Identify your ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
5) Set your GOAL.
6) Develop your MARKETING PLAN.
7) Expand your NETWORK.
8) Buckle up for the long DRIVE.

Valarie Washington, President of Think 6 is a knowledge broker helping companies improve organizational effectiveness, team performance, and individual productivity. Author of Performance Case Analysis, she delivers high impact training to corporations throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Visit us at www.Think6Results.com or contact Valarie at washington@think6results.com or by calling 630-705-1189.