What do you do if your career goals as an executive seem unattainable?

Find a coach to review your entire career, the process you’re going through to get to your desired career, and follow their advice. I saw a TED talk from a surgeon who asked one of his professors and mentor to give him pointers about his surgical performance. He improved in his surgery, his approach and his ability to create value for his patients.

In my experience, goals have two parts. One is the long term objective and the second is the series of steps to reach that goal. At any given moment, focus should be on the execution of the current step in the process with an eye to the next step. Big goals take time and effort. While you wait for the time to pass, put your energy into today’s efforts.

I would take a different approach. Instead of "Reassess Goals," I would say "Interrogate Your Assumptions." Often, our perception of what is "unattainable" is based on limiting beliefs rather than facts. Ask yourself: What specifically makes these goals seem unattainable? Are these limitations real or perceived? Is there any evidence that others have achieved similar goals? Next, consider your values and passions. Sometimes, we set goals based on societal expectations or external pressures rather than what truly drives us and brings us fulfillment in our work. Once you better understand your motivations and fundamental assumptions, you can more accurately assess the feasibility and desirability of the career path you're considering.

Quando os objetivos de carreira como executivo parecem inatingíveis, é crucial reavaliar e ajustar o plano de a??o. Isso pode envolver buscar orienta??o de mentores ou coaches, identificar áreas de melhoria e desenvolvimento, e estar aberto a oportunidades alternativas. Além disso, é importante manter a motiva??o e a resiliência, entendendo que os desafios fazem parte do caminho para o sucesso. N?o desistir diante das dificuldades e persistir com determina??o podem eventualmente levar ao alcance desses objetivos, mesmo que o caminho pare?a árduo no momento.

I suspect what I have to say here will be almost entirely without value to anyone who actually pauses to read it. I've never had what I think of as a career nor any particular work goals that I see as something to work towards or achieve. However, I've had quite a variety of jobs at different levels, in different places working with different kinds of people. And I do have some criteria which I hold to and which may be of interest or value. Do work that contributes to something I think has value. Work with people that are fun, interesting or inspiring (or maybe all three). Use what I know and get to know it better but also look for work that I can learn from. If you can, make work one of the things you do to make the world a little nicer.

In my experience, I have learned that an individual's network ultimately determines their net worth. Although this statement may seem outdated, it is crucial to note that one can only make choices from the options made available to them. With an extended reach, their chances of achieving their desired outcomes expand. Networking is not a one-time activity that occurs only when attending events. It should be an integral part of one's identity, encompassing their ability to define their value proposition and identify opportunities that benefit others in the long run. Ultimately, to achieve career goals, one requires advocates, mentors, and individuals willing to guide them towards the next phase. This process necessitates networking.

Frequently aspirations are stunted by a lack of communicated passion, drive, and desire to gain more responsibility and influence. More often than not, it is up to the employee to not settle into a comfortable lifestyle if their desire is to strive for upper management. Life’s priorities shift over time, and remaining on your feet and vigilant, supporting your coworkers and the companies objectives will prime you for a successful position in the future.