Prepare - nothing worthwhile can be achieved without preparation. Can you think of any race, competition, or even a war ever won without preparation? Do you know how athletes prepare for marathons? Can you imagine the effort they put into the preparation?

Additionally, it is not only the physical effort on your part. It is the planning, seeking the assistance of a coach or mentor, if necessary that will set you apart from the crowd. You also need to assess the resources required while working towards your goals.

Assess Your Progress on a Regular Basis

You should continually assess your progress towards reaching your goal. Do you think you are making satisfactory progress towards your goal? Is there any progressive consistency in the positions you have held? Do not get depressed if the answers to any of those questions is no.

Think logically and optimistically and start planning to get on the right course. Most of the times such mistakes can be corrected!

Importance of Realizing Your Short-Term Goals

Next, decide your goals - career goals and secondary goals. Secondary goals are directly related to you present job profile. The career goals are the "zenith" you want to reach through the succession of changing jobs or positions.

The secondary goals are short-term goals, which when achieved give you the boost and confidence to progress towards your ultimate career goal.

The Road Ahead

After formulating a clear career plan, next comes the hardest part - the preparation! Be ready to put in a lot of effort. Build the credentials that will help you progress forward. Prepare yourself for the career plan that you have decided for yourself. Be ready to join any institute or college - and if required, to complete a course or undergo additional training programs that are going to help you in the process.

Get engaged in activities that are beneficial to your career. Get involved in business groups and committees.

Maintain a career progress record. Write down the positions you need to reach to realize your ultimate goal. Write down the skills essential for each of them. Think about the obstacles you may face during the process. Write down what steps you will take to overcome them. Then write down your resolutions for short-term and career goals and set time limits for them. Have optimistic but practical targets.

Always remember to take the initiative. If you are at the start of your career, more careful planning should be done. If you are in middle of your "career", rethink the way you career is progressing.

It is never too late. You can always find the right path with right planning and effort. Reorganize your career plan and work to get there.