10 Steps to Achieve Your Career Goals

When a recent US survey asked people what got in the way of them achieving their goals, the most common reasons given were procrastination (33%); lack of discipline (24%); not having a plan (19%) and having to do it alone (10%).

When there is economic uncertainty then your focus is naturally on the immediate future, but you shouldn't lose sight of the fact that when things turn around there are usually lots of opportunities for those who are prepared. This can be a good time to stay ahead of the curve, and make plans to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Step 1: Make sure you really want your goal. If it's getting a Board position, setting up your business or working part-time, imagine in detail how great life will be when you do this.

Step 2: Write your goals down. Put them somewhere you can see them and cut out pictures to inspire you on a daily basis. One research study which tracked a number of graduates over a 20 year period showed that those who had written down their goals were more successful in many of the things that they had achieved.

Step 3: Is your goal SMART? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Framed.

Step 4: Devise a time plan. One month, 3 month, 6, month and your steps to getting there.

Step 5: What small actions can you take straight away to get you on your journey? Do them and then plan some more. Set review dates. Check in with your progress each month so you can see how well you are doing and then celebrate! Buy something small or treat yourself to something that will mark your progress.

Step 6: Make yourself accountable to someone. Don't go it alone. Ask a friend/partner to join you or support you to help keep you focused and on track.

Step 7: Foresee pitfalls. Plan for any unexpected or known events that could throw you off course. Predict other people's negative responses and be realistic about what can be achieved.

Step 8: What might be the hidden bonus of failing? It's a big question but sometimes we do self-sabotaging and damaging things in order to prove ourselves right. "See I told you/ I was useless/am not qualified/always get looked over for promotion" could be your mantra for keeping you stuck in your "safe" misery.

Step 9: Write out what you gain and lose by change and what you gain and lose by staying the same.

Step 10: Be committed to your success. When you say you are going to do something and you do, it sends a tremendously positive message to your psyche.