Many people feel unfulfilled and want to find fulfillment in their lives or careers. They often don’t know why they think this way. They know they don’t feel happy and may not know how to make it better. Our work together focuses on helping them find their passion and purpose in life. This helps them have more control over their lives and careers.
Here are five life planning steps to help you if you feel stuck in your career or are unsure of your future.
Clarify your values.
Values are the most important thing to you right now. While values don’t change over time, they can change as you go through life. Regularly reviewing your values is a good idea to make sure you’re aligned with what’s important to you. In my early corporate career, I can recall a time when I was focused on career advancement. I worked long hours, attended night classes, and did whatever was necessary to be promoted. As I became a mother, I realized that my family and children were more important than my career. I gave up on career moves that would have required me to relocate my family. To have more flexibility and freedom, I quit my corporate job to start my own business. You may find yourself in conflict with your career or your personal life. It could be that your values have changed, and your life is not aligned to what is most important to your right now.
Identify your passions and purpose.
What are you most passionate about? Is it “it” that you are doing? Many people believe that their passion should be their job. There are many avenues to pursue your passion, even if that’s not your primary career. One artist I know is building a collection of unique artifacts that he hopes to display one day. He is passionate about art, but he also makes living teaching. His passion is incorporated into his work in many different ways. He volunteers to set design school productions; he teaches summer art at a local studio and sculpts in his spare moments. Congratulations if you’re one of those lucky people who are passionate about what you do. If you’re not passionate about your career, there are many ways to nurture and feed your passion.
Define your goals
Do you have clear goals for the year? What about the next three to five years? Your life is a marathon and not a sprint. You must have a systematic, disciplined approach to achieving your goals and dreams. What are you most aspired to achieve? You can make a plan to move in the right direction, even if it seems impossible. You will eventually see the results you want if you take small, consistent steps. You should also consider other aspects of your life, not just your job. You should consider finances, relationships, professional and personal development, money, relationships, health and well-being, spirituality, family, fun, recreation, and the physical environment.
Organize your finances
Do you have a financial plan in place? As a banker, I learned that specific goals must be set in order to achieve financial success. People don’t plan well for the future, and they end up living miserable life. It may be your goal to retire at 65 or start a company, but it is not possible if you don’t have financial plans. One of my clients wanted to quit his job at work and start a company. He was able to determine the amount of money that he would need to pay his expenses and keep his business afloat through our coaching. He worked long enough in his corporate job to accumulate the funds he needed. Although it was difficult to save money, keep track of his time, and maintain his work, it helped him achieve success. It also relieved him of a lot of financial pressure during the initial stages of his company. You should ensure that you are prepared for any emergency, have enough money to reach your goals, and plan for your retirement. Your overall life plan should include a financial plan.
Your career plan is essential
No matter where your career is at the moment, whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, you will need one! A career plan should include a review and assessment of your interests, values, passions, skills, and experience, as well as your career goals and options. A well-designed plan will help you identify and address your education/experience gaps, professional and personal development needs, as well as provide support and mentorship. A well-thought-out plan gives you direction, focus, and the confidence to move forward. You will find it easier to move into your following career path if you are better prepared for the future.
It will take some reflection and planning to create a life that is full of happiness, abundance, and no regrets. You don’t need to be a financial planner or coach to help you plan your finances.
