Success requires proper goal setting and careful planning. The starting point is to have a personal vision for your life. Without a concrete, personal vision, it is impossible to set personal goals. Your personal vision will include your desired career path and personal goals for your life such as family, health and exercise.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality.

Five year plans, three year plans, six month plans, monthly plans and even weekly plans should be set, covering every area of your life.

Goals should be written down. They should be precise, prioritized and realistic.

Careful thought should be given to how these goals will be achieved.  It important to specify the action steps that should be taken so you can measure progression in achieving your goals.

Timelines should be set, and progress monitored and documented.  This will allow you to monitor shortcomings and be able to take corrective measures where necessary.

When it comes to setting career goals, it is always advisable to obtain input, guidance and assistance from your manager or mentor.  Career goals should be carefully aligned to your desired career path.  Never limiting, aspirations should, nevertheless, be realistic and should match your aptitude, ability and personality.

Your career goals should include a level of personal development which could include external training or tertiary education.  As indicated these are personal development goals in order for you to achieve your personal career goals.  So take accountability for your upskilling without blaming your company for not training you.

The same approach should be used when setting personal goals. Personal goals are as important as career goals. Top performers in both the workplace and home are people who have managed to achieve a good work-life balance focusing on both sets of goals.

Proper goal setting and implementation has made this possible.  Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation.