Your client is struggling with setting professional goals. How can you help them create a roadmap to success?

Start with the end and work backwards: What do they say they want to achieve? Is that their dream or someone else’s? How does the client want to feel professionally? What are specific areas of interest? What do they want their day-to-day life to be like (Design some ideal scenarios, including type of work & people, hours, etc) What’s the gap between their wildest imagination of success, satisfaction, fulfilment, lifestyle and where they are now? How can they bridge that gap? How badly do they want it? What’s stopping them/in the way? How would they feel if they get there/don’t? Address: thoughts, feelings, emotions, beliefs, judgments, self talk. What are the less obvious implications of success? Who can help them professionally?

When working with clients who struggle to set career goals, I strive to first understand their intrinsic motivations. A client of mine wanted to change careers but didn't know exactly which path to follow. We focused on your values, favorite skills, and the kind of impact you wanted to have in your work life. Through deep questions and conversations, we discovered that what he was truly passionate about was creative work and collaborating with dynamic teams, which helped him define a clear goal and action plan.

Explore transparent limiting beliefs that are sabotaging their success. For example, “what could I be believing about myself or this process that would damage its success?” Everything starts in consciousness…

First, can you tell me a bit about yourself? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are you passionate about, and what drives you? Also, where are you currently in your career journey? Are you looking to advance in your current field or transition to a new one? Let's explore your values and aspirations to get a clear picture of what success means to you. Then, we can set specific, achievable goals and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Remember, this is a collaborative process, and I'm here to support and guide you every step of the way. We'll work together to create a personalized roadmap that suits your unique needs and goals.

These are my initial thoughts off the top of my head. 1. First, explore the clients core aspirations creatively. Instead of the usual goal-setting, we could use visual mapping or storytelling techniques to identify what truly excites you. This approach ensures that the goals we set feel authentic and connected to your passions. 2. Next, we’ll turn these into actionable, flexible steps that are specific and achievable, allowing for adaptation as new opportunities arise. 3. Finally, we might use a “success journal” or app to track progress, celebrate wins, and adjust as needed. This keeps the process dynamic and engaging. Also, incorporate a shared file using Apple notes on a mobile, so live updating and progress is viewable on the move.

Creating a roadmap for my client who is struggling with setting professional goals will start with formulation of their vision. Once they are able to form a vision of their career height in the next 5 or 10 years, then I will help them with the techniques of setting achievable goals. This means using the S-M-A-R-T framework. Most people don't realize their goals because of either they don't use this framework at all, or they don't follow through. In addition, I will either be their accountability partner to ensure that they are following through with regular action steps, or I will advice they get their own accountability partner. That way, goal setting is much easier and almost certain to achieve.

In one session, a client expressed a desire to improve his career, but didn't know where to start. I used the SMART goals framework to help you nail down your goal: Instead of “get better at project management,” we defined “complete a project management certification in the next six months and successfully lead a project on your team.” By breaking down your goal into something specific and measurable, you felt more motivated and focused. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) is essential to providing direction and clarity. A clear goal provides a tangible plan of action and avoids ambiguity that can lead to a lack of progress.

Once a client set their goal of getting a promotion, we realized the goal seemed too overwhelming. Together, we break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps, such as developing key skills, expanding your network, and seeking feedback from your superiors. This gradual approach gave him a constant sense of accomplishment and kept him from feeling overburdened. Breaking down goals into smaller, actionable tasks helps maintain momentum. Creating a timeline with clear milestones makes progress tangible and less intimidating, making it easier to steadily move toward the goal.

I have seen many clients struggle to stay on track toward their goals. To help you, I suggest finding an accountability system. A client of mine partnered with a colleague for biweekly progress reviews. This accountability system kept him focused and engaged, and also provided moral support when things got tough. Creating accountability, whether through a mentor, a peer group, or even digital tools, can be crucial to keeping clients on track. Sharing goals with others creates an external commitment that can be a powerful motivator to keep moving forward.

One client I worked with achieved some of their initial goals, but realized their long-term vision had changed. We reflect on your progress and adjust your career roadmap to better align with your new aspirations. This flexibility allowed him to stay motivated and committed to his new goals. Adapting and reflecting is key, since professional objectives are not static. Being willing to adjust the roadmap as you learn and grow ensures that the client remains aligned with your values and can respond to changes in their industry.

I remember how one client, after obtaining a certification, was so focused on the next step that he forgot to celebrate his achievement. I encouraged him to take a moment to recognize his efforts, which increased his confidence and energy to keep moving forward. Celebrating every small success not only reinforces positive behavior, but also reminds customers of how far they've come on their journey. Celebrating successes along the way is essential to maintaining motivation. Recognizing and rewarding milestones, big or small, builds morale and provides the energy needed to move forward toward new goals.

It is so important to celebrate the small wins, usually nothing more than giving yourself credit for a job well done. Focus on the small successes. We winn by doing the small things then celebrate along the way.