The future can feel like a vast, foggy land that you have to forge on your own. Whether you’re fresh out of school or on the verge of a career pivot, you can reduce your existential stress by taking time to set goals and develop a strategy for reaching them. Plan for your future with expert advice
Step 1: Identify Your Goals
Start by identifying your desired outcome: a new job, buying your first home, becoming an artist. Next, break these objectives down into measurable steps that will lead you to success. Then, think about the actions you need to take to achieve each step of your goal, such as researching the career path, applying for jobs, or practicing painting. Finally, determine how much time you can reasonably devote to each action and make a commitment to proceed, step by step, toward your desired end.
Developing a clear plan will help you stay on track, but it’s important to allow room for change. Life doesn’t always go according to schedule, so if you encounter an unexpected opportunity that could be a great fit for your plans, don’t be afraid to diverge from the path. Just be sure to regularly review your plan and adjust your course as needed. Similarly, don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they seem. After all, small victories can add up to big accomplishments down the road.