This article is about getting your career on the right track. STOP reading NOW if you are not committed to succeed next year!

You've seen the headlines. You've heard the reports and know that there are big shakeups in the employment market.

"If we don't change the direction we're going, we're going to end up where we're headed." Chinese Proverb

You must be asking yourself, "What does it mean for the future of the working professional? What does it mean for me?" The answers to those questions and others lie in eight Career Planning strategies that can put you way ahead of the competition.

Navigating the career course is like driving a car. When you get in a car you usually do two things: first you decide where you need or want to go and then you buckle your seat belt for the ride. Think about it. How will you know when you have found the right career and job fit? Just saying that you'll know when you find it is like get in the car and driving with no real place to go. You waste a lot of time, energy, and gas.

• You need to be very specific about what you want for your work life.
• You have to start with the destination in mind.
• You have to have a plan and know where you want to go.

You'll never know you have arrived if you never knew where you were going. There are three questions you need to ask yourself, "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" "How will I get there?" Starting with your final destination gives you a point from which to measure driving time and the shortest most effective route. Then direct your attention and efforts to stay on course towards your goal.

A goal (the what) and a plan (the how)of completion give you both context and a direction to follow but they don't guarantee a smooth ride. With a great plan you may still hit some bumps along the way. That's why you need to make sure that you are wearing your seatbelt. Not because you are expecting a crash but because it's better to be prepared just in case.

8 Career Planning Strategies:

1. Figure out where YOU want to go.

2. Identify the business NEED.

3. Assess your SKILLS.

4. Identify your ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

5. Set your GOAL.

6. Develop your MARKETING PLAN.

7. Expand your NETWORK.

8. Buckle up for the long DRIVE.

Valarie Washington

Valarie is CEO of Think 6 Results -- a knowledge broker passionate about learning and improving performance in organizations. She?s a writer, presenter, and executive coach on a mission to get every employee and organization focused on and thinking about the SIX business driving goals that matter.

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