“Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success" - David Joseph Schwartz
One of my favorite coaching questions is, "What is on your business card three years from now?" Business cards are similar to a name tag, a connection tool designed to project a profile and create opportunities. People we meet process their continued interest based on what they read, see, and hear. My question is – who will you be three years from now?
Our professional life is a journey and visualizing who you are becoming, or remaining, alerts you to the track you are on. You may believe reflecting on your progress is too time consuming and uncomfortable, but the alternative is merely hoping things will go your way. You want to avoid doing this, or you may find yourself asking, “Where did the time go?" and thinking "I can’t believe I am still in this job.”
My experience with projecting my role three years from now came from a leadership training program. Honestly, I was convinced the program would never end. I was so eager to assume new responsibilities that I did not need to visualize two or three more years to be good to go. The organization believed I needed more “seasoning” for my longterm success. This seasoning caused me to be impatient and become concerned that my career progress was stalling. In reality, my focus should have been on what I needed to do to be fully prepared for my next opportunity. My promotion followed and I had a real lesson in the wisdom of building strong technical and interpersonal skills before accepting new leadership responsibilities.
Three keys to building a profile in three years that promotes your professional goals:
Time out
Stop the clock and reassess where you are and where you are going in your career. Every coach has a strategy when the game begins but adjustments are always necessary. Ask yourself: what is going well, what is not going well, and what do I need to do differently? Answering these questions enables you to redirect your professional energy to meet the opportunities that will come your way.
Get Tangible
Design a business card that represents the position you plan to have three years from now – go online or to an office supply store and print up a small batch. Post the card wherever you keep the important reminders that motivate your growth.
Share Your Goals
Sharing your goals with the people you trust will dramatically increase your success. We all want to succeed in life on our terms and that includes a supporting cast. A goal concealed rarely sustains traction. Get feedback and support from others to add momentum to your successful journey.
If I were to meet you three years from now, what would be on your business card? More importantly, what do you need to do to now to make sure that comes to fruition? Call a timeout, get tangible, and share your goals with those who can make it happen in your life. I can’t wait to ask for your card down the road!
