TLDR: Creating your 3-Year Life-giving Career Plan

Having a career plan is important because it can provide a roadmap for your future. It helps you make informed choices about your current job situation, as well as future career moves. It can also help you stay inspired and motivated.

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Today I’m going to share why you need a 3-year goal that’s not just a professional roadmap, but instead it’s a life-aligned blueprint.

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Why 3-year goals? I like to call it the “Goldilocks of long-term planning”. It’s not too far in the future where it feels unreachable and unattainable. But it is far enough in the future to where we can create true change, impact and growth.?

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Step 1.? Envisioning Your Ideal Life

The most effective plans begin with a clear vision of the life that you desire. Start simply by asking yourself, “what do I want my life to look like?”

·???????? Picture it. Think about what brings you joy and what rejuvenates and restores you, so you wake up every day excited to be alive. Spending quality time with loved ones? Embarking on new adventures?

·???????? Bring in some details. How much time are you spending on your hobbies or with your family? Where are you living? What activities are filling your day?

·???????? Add in some self-care. Envision a life where your personal self-care and happiness take center stage - unapologetically. What does that look like? Is it quality time with friends and family? Is it a long walk on the beach or curled up with a good book?

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Once you’ve taken the time to dream big, write down what an ideal week, month or year looks like.

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This is going to give you a vision of who, when and where you want to spend the most precious moments of your life so you can live in your purpose, your fulfillment and your true joy.

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Step 2.? Choose a career that aligns with your values, interests and priorities

This is a critical step. We all want a career that supports our life and our purpose. Think about what your career looks like now and what you would like it to look like. Does your career fuel your life right now? If it doesn’t, then redesign it!

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Give yourself time to self-reflect on what truly matters to you and let that guide you towards a career that aligns seamlessly with your values, interests and priorities.

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·???????? Consider your values. These are the core principles that guide your decision making. Is it creativity, innovation, community, flexibility? Or maybe some combination of these?

·???????? Consider your natural interests. What type of activities make you lose track of time when you’re doing them? What subjects or industries ignite your passion?

·???????? Reflect on your life priorities. Are you aiming for a better work/life balance? Are you seeking opportunities for personal growth? By understanding? what your life priorities are and what season of life you’re in, this will help you filter out career options that are going to conflict with your overarching life goals.

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It’s at this intersection of your unique values, your interests and your life priorities that your ideal career lies.

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Step 3. Invest in Yourself

I’ve said this in previous posts, in my RISE program and other workshops I’ve delivered: An investment in yourself is the best investment you can ever make. Full stop.

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Define the areas that you want to invest in your career. This step is what takes your plan from a dream into action.

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Things to consider:

·???????? How much time can you dedicate on a weekly basis to invest in yourself? Consistency is key to achieving goals.

·???????? How much money will you set aside each year for your own personal or professional development? A good rule of thumb is to invest a minimum of 3% of your gross income towards your development. Don’t have the money right now? You can listen to podcasts, read a book, find free online classes or take advantage of workplace employee resource groups and tuition reimbursement programs.

·???????? Know what areas that you need to invest in. Depending on your long-term goal, you may need to learn new skills, get a certification or build up existing skills.

·???????? Do you have a solid network? Be intentional about actively seeking out opportunities to connect with other professionals. Remember what a network is: it’s a network of people who are committed to supporting each other in pursuit of their dreams and creating a bigger impact. And that only happens when you put yourself in a position to build a true relationship.

·???????? Invest in your personal well-being. It’s so easy to forget this one, especially in the crazy hustle and bustle world we live in. It’s critical to maintain your physical and mental health, so you have the energy and the focus to fully participate in the joyous life you’re creating.

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So there you have it.

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If you don’t already have a three-year, life-giving career plan, take time to create one this week using the tips outlined above.? Envision your ideal life, write down what career would support that life and create an investment plan in yourself.

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As always, I want to hear from you!

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Do you already have a life-giving career plan? If so, share it in the comments. Let me know what content I can create to support you on your plan. Don’t have one yet? That’s ok! Let me know if this helped inspire you to create one for yourself.