What do you do if your goals in a Financial Services career seem unattainable?

1 Assess your situation

The first step is to honestly evaluate your current position and your desired destination. What are the specific goals that you have for your career? How realistic are they? What are the skills, qualifications, and experiences that you need to achieve them? How do you measure your progress and performance? By answering these questions, you can identify the gaps and the opportunities in your career path. You can also recognize the factors that are within your control and those that are not.

2 Seek feedback and support

The next step is to seek feedback and support from others who can help you improve and grow. This could include your mentors, coaches, peers, managers, or clients. Ask them for honest and constructive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, your achievements and mistakes, your potential and limitations. Listen to their perspectives and suggestions, and be open to learning from them. You can also seek support from your network, such as professional associations, online communities, or alumni groups. They can offer you advice, referrals, or opportunities that can help you advance in your career.

3 Adjust your strategy

The third step is to adjust your strategy based on your assessment and feedback. You may need to revise your goals to make them more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You may need to update your skills, certifications, or credentials to match the market demand and the industry standards. You may need to explore new avenues, such as switching roles, changing employers, or pursuing further education. You may need to improve your habits, such as setting priorities, managing time, or coping with stress. By making these changes, you can increase your chances of success and satisfaction in your career.

4 Celebrate your achievements

The fourth step is to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small they are. You may not have reached your ultimate goal yet, but you have made progress and learned valuable lessons along the way. You have overcome obstacles and challenges that have tested your resilience and perseverance. You have demonstrated your skills and abilities that have earned you recognition and respect. You have contributed to your organization and your clients that have made a positive impact. By acknowledging and appreciating your achievements, you can boost your confidence and motivation in your career.

5 Learn from your failures

The fifth step is to learn from your failures, instead of letting them discourage or define you. You may have faced rejections, losses, or criticisms that have hurt your ego and reputation. You may have made errors, missed deadlines, or violated rules that have cost you money or opportunities. You may have encountered conflicts, crises, or changes that have disrupted your plans or expectations. But these failures are not the end of your career. They are opportunities to learn, improve, and grow. By analyzing and accepting your failures, you can identify your weaknesses and areas for improvement. You can also discover new possibilities and solutions that can help you overcome your challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?