By Dr Dave Schalow, PhD, CLU, ChFC, CFA, CFP

Career Success | November 1, 2026

A wish and a goal are different things. A wish describes something you would like to have. A useful goal gives you a direction, a reason to care, and a plan for what you will do next.

If last year's results weren't what you wanted, simply repeating the same routine is unlikely to change much. Look at the pattern and decide what needs to be different.

1. WRITE DOWN THE GOAL AND THE REASON

Put the goal on paper. Then explain why it matters to you. More money may be the headline, but what would the money allow you to do? More security for your family? More choices? More time for something important?

A clear reason can help you make decisions when the work becomes inconvenient.

2. MAKE IT SPECIFIC

“Improve my career” leaves too much unanswered. “Complete the training required to apply for a supervisory role” gives you something you can work on.

Choose a result you can recognize. If the result depends partly on other people, also identify the actions you control. You can prepare a strong application and practice interviewing; you can't guarantee that a particular employer will hire you.

3. SET A DEADLINE

Give the goal a target date. Then work backward to decide when the preparation must happen. A deadline helps turn a distant intention into a decision about this week's calendar.

Make the timing challenging enough to matter and realistic enough to plan around. Adjust it when evidence warrants a change, rather than quietly forgetting the goal.

4. BREAK IT INTO ACTIONS

For each important goal, list three to ten activities that would move you forward. A career development plan might include:

• Identify the skills required for the next role.
• Compare those requirements with your current experience.
• Choose one skill to strengthen.
• Schedule regular practice or study.
• Ask for feedback from someone who knows the work.
• Prepare examples of what you have accomplished.

The first action should be small enough to begin without another round of planning.

5. LIMIT YOUR FOCUS

A page of ambitious goals can feel exciting and still leave you unsure what to do tomorrow. Choose a few priorities. Decide which one or two deserve attention first.

Look for the activities most closely connected to the result. The familiar 80/20 principle is useful as a prompt to examine your effort, rather than a precise law that applies to every situation.

6. REVIEW AND ADJUST

Check your progress regularly. Ask what you completed, what you learned, and what is blocking the next step. If an approach isn't helping, change the approach. Don't confuse staying committed to a goal with repeating an ineffective method.

​Write one important goal today. Add your reason, your deadline, and your next three actions. Then put the first action on your calendar.