Preparing for your Dream Career change!!!

Well, it all depends on how well you know yourself, the life you want to have, what excites you, the choices you make, and how you work towards your goal. It may sound like a bit of a gamble, but nothing will ensure that you end up there better than a well thought-out plan, and taking the actions you need to get there.

The first step is to give it a good thought and write down your goal clearly, which should include all the S.M.A.R.T facets of goal-setting such as, being very specific about what you want, how you would know once the goal has been achieved, and that the goal has a definite time by which it needs to be achieved. This is a very important part of the exercise. Most people are not clear on this aspect and tend to change goals when they discuss with people, so you need to be very sure about what you want to achieve.

The second step is to see how the goal fits in with your Values. You do this by internally assessing and asking yourself – what is most important to you in your new career, how does your goal align with your Values, and does this really motivate you? Many times we make goals but fail miserably only because we lose out on the motivation. Also, ask yourself how much you really believe that you can make this happen. Note that this is a big change you are attempting to make, and your mind holds the key to any change that you actually execute in your life. This means that you have to be ready to make changes in your beliefs, be aware of what is holding you back, and, know how to get those limiting beliefs out of the way, and be ready to change your life-style. You may also want to have a good discussion with your near and dear ones and understand how it would affect them.

The third step is to study the competencies and skills required for this goal, and plan on what specific skills are required, how will you acquire those, and by when. It’s possible that you may have to unlearn a few things as you go along, and to learn completely new skills, but you have to be mentally prepared for this. It’s like going back to school and learning all the processes, and acquiring skills, experience, and knowledge that you need to make it happen. In case you already have the relevant skills you may have to focus on getting the right work experience, and making the right decisions.

The fourth step is to make sure you create the right environment for yourself in alignment with this goal. This means building the right contacts through different forums / media, like the internet, social media, being part of professional groups, attending seminars, webinars, and networking as much as you can with relevant people.

The fifth and a very important step is to get out there and be in the action. I have come across people who are very proud of their contacts, their experience, and their current positions where they work, and they even make elaborate plans. But sadly, many of them even procrastinate and find comfort in what they are currently doing.
When you plan your goal clearly and firmly believe in yourself, the remaining steps fall in place. So, all you need to do is, to learn the skills of removing those limiting beliefs, and master proven techniques how to propel yourself towards your goal.

The Author:

Shyam Kalle is a certified NLP Coach Master Practitioner and regularly conducts NLP Practitioner workshops. He is also a practicing Career and Performance Coach, certified by ICF (International Coaching Federation). He brings with him, rich IT Corporate experience having worked previously, at senior positions in premier organizations.