SMART Goal Setting

For many, the New Year is a time to set resolutions. However, keep in mind that although it’s great to say you want to eat better, spend more time with family, or get that promotion, these statements are merely dreams until concrete goals are set.

As you reflect on the resolutions you’ve made, or are considering making, you may find the SMART goal formula a helpful framework. Ensuring your resolutions are Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-limited is a great way to secure your success.

To set a SMART goal, ask yourself:

1. What do I specifically want to achieve? Goals need to be specific – something like, “I want to eat better” is too broad and vague. Think about what “eating better” means to you, personally – is it simply cutting out the fast food, trying a vegetarian diet, or going gluten free?

2. How will I know when I’ve reached my goal? You won’t know you’ve reached a goal unless you’ve got some way to measure it, tracking your progress along the way.

3. Is this something that I can truly do? Goals should be achievable. If there is a freeze on promotions within your organization, then setting a goal to get a promotion may not be something you can achieve, unless you’re considering moving to a different organization.

4. Is this goal relevant to my work/life? If you’re seeking to achieve something that isn’t relevant to you personally, then you’re not likely to achieve it; it won’t hold your interest or be a priority if the relevance isn’t there.

5. When will I complete my goal? A timeframe for goal attainment is absolutely necessary to ensure you’re able to set out a plan to achieve your goal.

After you’ve ensured your goal is SMART, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, and structure an action plan connecting each phase (or step). Not only does this make your goal seem less daunting, but it also allows you to celebrate small successes along the way.

Remember, setbacks are natural, so don’t punish yourself. Get yourself back on track by staying flexible, revisiting and adjusting your goal, and, if necessary, reaching out for support.

10 Career Development Tips For Trailing Spouses

I've been a trailing spouse for a long time (almost 14 years at the time of this blog).  In that time I've learned a lot about myself and what to do and not to do to support my career.  Recently I had an article published by CERIC in their new magazine "Careering" about The Plight Of The Trailing Spouse.  In response I've composed 10 career development tips to help trailing spouses build successful careers.

1. Get clear on your work values. Understanding what is really important to you when it comes to why and how you work will make it easier to identify the right work opportunities. A career professional can administer a values test or you could get started with an online self-assessment.

2. Identify your motivated skills. Although you may have a vast array of skills that have kept you adaptable and your career portable, satisfaction comes when you identify which skills you enjoy using the most (i.e., skills you are motivated to use). Visit these online self-assessment resources to get you started.

3. Document your experience. Things can easily get lost when you’re moving multiple times. Create a career portfolio – collect evidence of your experience, training, and skills (e.g., conference brochures, reference letters, certificates) and keep them organized in one place (e.g., a binder or portafile). This way you won’t have to search for things when you settle into your new city.

4. Establish your presence online. Although you’ve relocated to a new city, you don’t have to start over when it comes to your career. Platforms such as LinkedIn allow you to build your professional portfolio virtually, creating a career that transcends borders.

5. Maintain a master resume. A resume that lists ALL your experience, training, and skills isn’t ideal for employers, but comes in handy when you’re creating a new targeted resume. As trailing spouses tend to have more jobs on their resume than someone who’s lived in just one or two cities, remembering all you’ve done can be difficult. A running log, or master resume, can make your next job application a little easier.

6. Update your resume and portfolio often. Things can change quickly when you’re a trailing spouse. One week you’re feeling like you’ve finally settled and the next you’re handing in your 2-weeks notice. Make a point to update your master resume, portfolio, and online presence frequently. Once you’ve completed something noteworthy, collect evidence, reference letters, and recommendations and add them right away, you might not get a chance to do it tomorrow - you might be busy packing.

7. Stay connected with colleagues and references. Don’t leave relationships behind just because you’ve moved; job references are essential no matter where you apply. Stay in contact with your colleagues and references by using social media or a periodic email/phone call. Consider asking your colleagues to recommend you on LinkedIn.

8. Reflect on what success means. Success for the average person looks different than success for someone who moves every couple of years. Stop trying to measure your ideals by the world’s standards. Consider the life you’ve chosen as a trailing spouse and define what success means to you.

9. Continue learning. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and there will be an abundance of new experiences when you arrive in a new city. Traditional educational programs can be tough when you’re on the move; therefore, consider online learning, webinars, and conferences instead. 

10. Consider a virtual career. Consider the field you’ve chosen and look for opportunities to take your career completely virtual (i.e., 100% online). This way it doesn’t matter how often you move or where you land next—your work is just a click away. This is extremely helpful if you are unable to work locally where you’ve relocated due to visa restrictions or other reasons. 

Miranda Vande Kuyt is a self-employed project and communications consultant. She is also the facilitator of the "Look Before You Leap: Self-Employment Survival Strategies" online course through www.LifeStrategies.ca.