When you’re ready to move forward in your career and life, you need to formulate and execute a game plan. That might sound a little intimidating, but quite simply, it all starts with intention.
What many people think of as intent is really wishing. Intention isn’t about ‘I want’, but rather ‘I will’. When you make up your mind to accomplish something, you’re setting an intention. And when you plan out a way to get yourself from where you are to where you want to be, you’re formulating a game plan.
So how do you set an intention?
Start with a timeline.
Where do you want to be at the end of this quarter?
Perhaps it’s easier for you to chunk down a very short time? A year from now may feel a bit overwhelming, so pick a time line that feels realistic to you.
Next, put your ideas down on paper, this will make them feel more concrete. Give yourself permission to think big: after all, this is your future, and you have a choice to help direct it or not!
Once you have your intentions established, fill in some details. Visualize yourself in your new, improved career and life situation. What positive steps can you take to bring you closer to making your vision real? Think of your game plan as an anchor, a tree to tie your line around: if you wander a little off course, you can always find your way back to your starting point. Also, don’t worry if your initial progress seems small. Baby steps are still steps, and every forward movement lends momentum to your progress.
Another point to remember is that in order for new things to come into your life, you have to make room for them. Clutter, whether physical or mental, is a barrier to change – but remember that where there’s change, there’s opportunity. So if you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself this: “How can I make room in my life for positive change? What things in my life do I no longer need?” Sometime, just allowing yourself to stop fearing change is enough to send doors of opportunity flying open in front of you.
Finally, use your resources. You have a built-in support system in your friends, family members, and colleagues, and you never know when they’ll surprise you with a sage bit of advice. Also, a professionally trained and certified coach* like me who will work with you to set concrete goals and develop a way that best serves you with fulfilling your intentions.
Action Step: Pick one thing you can clear out or shift in your life to make room for your new, improved career. Then, pick one item from your game plan to tackle this week.
I know that you can reach every one of your goals this year. All you need are good intentions and the will to make it happen!
* As a professionally trained and certified coach I abide by the ICF Coaching Code of Ethics. For more information see the ICF Code of Ethics
As a certified professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader, Dawn helps sales, marketing, advertising and creative entrepreneurs to accelerate their career so they’ll love their life!
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