According to yourdictionary.com, goal setting is “the process of identifying something that you want to accomplish and establishing measurable goals and timeframes.” When you’re making a career change or embarking on a job search, setting goals is paramount. Defining measurable goals and timeframes will help you achieve a career-related, or any other, goal.

Sometimes, the next steps seem clear, other times, not so much. Or we know where we want to go, but we just don’t know how to get there. Here are some tactics to utilize as you frame your goals (have a note pad or journal ready):

• Pushing past your comfort zone takes practice. It’s not easy. We’re used to our routines and habits but when we want real change, we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. For practice, write down 3 things you’re scared to try. Pick one and commit to doing it this week. Then work your way down your list. Write down how it feels as you work your way through the list. You might be uncomfortable, but you may also be pleasantly surprised by how good it feels when you push past the discomfort and achieve a “scary” goal.
• Is your career-related goal achievable given where you are today? Ask yourself: Could I reach this goal within six months? A year? Do I have the emotional, financial, and practical support I need to pursue this goal? What needs to happen to make the conditions right? Write down what you think you’ll need to achieve this goal.

After you’ve defined your dream job (or career-related goal), what do you need to do to start reaching your dream job? Define the tasks needed to start reaching your dream and break them down into daily, weekly tasks. Post in Nspire Community for accountability or partner with a trusted family or friend and ask someone to supervise your progress to keep you accountable.

• What will be your system of accountability?
• What goal and task(s) can you commit to completely?

If you’re having trouble defining what your dream job or career goal is, consider these points for guidance:

• What dreams are still unlived in you?
• What actions could you take to move towards them?
• List your top 5 passions.
• Not sure? Set a timer for two minutes. In your journal or notebook, write “My passion is…” then finish the sentence and keep writing. Go back and read what you have written. Where did your writing take you?

After this exercise, describe the life you’d like to live going forward. What steps do you need to take to make that vision reality?

When you have outlined your dreams (don’t limit yourself!), you need to add the tactical, practical, realistic side of your goals.

• Goals should be specific. “I want to work with children” vs. “I want to work with children with special needs.”
• Goals should be measurable. “I want to do well in my Spanish class” vs. “I want to be fluent in Spanish and earn an A.”
• Goals should be realistic. “I want to sell ten homes in three months after I get my real estate license: vs. “I want to sell ten homes after I have learned the real estate industry and build my credibility in the industry.”
• Goals should have a time frame. “I will graduate” vs. “I will graduate in five years by taking 12 hours of classes a semester.”

When you are realistic with your goals, you will find ways to make them happen because you are willing to do the work. If you believe it can be done, it will be done. Set realistic time frames so you don’t get discouraged.

Goals are needed because they give you a sense of direction. A goal is the end to which a person aims to reach to accomplish something. The purpose of a goal is to focus our thoughts and actions.