What do you do if your career goals seem unattainable?

If your career goals feel out of reach, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Seek guidance from mentors or career coaches, and consider acquiring new skills or qualifications to bolster your chances. Stay adaptable and open to alternative paths that may lead to your desired outcome.

When your career goals feel like distant stars, it's time to bring them closer to earth. Reevaluate what you're aiming for and ask yourself if these objectives truly align with your values and long-term vision. Sometimes, goals set in the past may no longer serve your present self. Reflect on what success means to you now and adjust your goals accordingly. This doesn't mean lowering your standards, but rather setting targets that are both ambitious and achievable, giving you a renewed sense of direction and purpose.

I believe in taking a proactive and reflective approach. Firstly, I would break down the goals into smaller, manageable steps. Secondly, seeking guidance and mentorship from individuals who have achieved similar goals can provide invaluable insights and advice. Additionally, continuous learning and skill development are crucial in overcoming obstacles and expanding opportunities. Pursuing relevant education, certifications, or training can enhance qualifications. Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and perseverance are key. Embracing challenges as learning opportunities, staying adaptable to change, and remaining committed to personal growth can ultimately lead to overcoming perceived barriers and reaching ambitious career goals.

If your career goals seem unattainable, it's essential to reassess them and break them down into smaller, more achievable steps. Reflect on what specific skills, experiences, or connections you need to reach those goals and develop a plan to acquire them. Consider seeking mentorship or professional development opportunities to gain guidance and support. It's also crucial to remain adaptable and open to new opportunities that may lead you in unexpected but fulfilling directions.

I wouldn’t suggest someone adjust their expectations but rather talk directly about them to the right person(s) and make sure both sides lineup. Some questions you should ask yourself before adjusting: 1. Are you happy? Nothing is perfect, but this is important. 2. Most days do you feel satisfied with the work you do? 3. Do your co-workers and the company share your personal and professional values.? 4. Do regular performance management conversations occur where you and your supervisor/leadership have the ability to have two way feedback about what growth looks like and the path to it? - If no, would they be open to one? It’s really difficult to overcome a “hard no” to any of those four questions long-term.

After all points mentioned in this article were considered (realistic goals, skill gaps, network, realistic expectations, motivation and feedback), I would still want to ask some important questions. Are you on the right track? Are you pursuing the career goals that are right for you? How long have you been trying to make the change? Was any other field considered where you can make an immediate impact with all the skills you have, with all your knowledge and expertise? Sometimes it is worth to take a pause and to look at your career path and efforts from a very high altitude to see a broader picture to understand what is not working.