Career Interest

GEN 300

Planning Personal Growth

GEN300, Skills for Professional Development

Have you ever said, “I am taking this new position just because I am bored with my current job?” I believe this is a great example of a poorly managed personal growth plan. In my current position, I find the vast majority of employees only have a general sense of where they want to be. Developing a plan is the single most important step to realizing goals. I take a lot of pleasure in assisting my employees develop their plans. A comprehensive plan will direct everything from job to project selection. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the benefits of planning, how to plan, and finally, how to measure success.

I believe illustrating the effects of poor planning will better demonstrate the power of planning. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be to find, at the age of forty-five, you are not working in a position you enjoy? I personally know many people in this category. Unfortunately, they often find it too late to change direction. These people are victims of poor planning. Instead of taking charge and orchestrating their career paths, random events determined growth. The same can be said of the unlucky factory worker. They are despondent because they have never had the chance to move off of the shop floor. Luck may play into the scenario but I would rather trust a well thought out plan.

Developing a plan is actually not a difficult endeavor. It is your plan. There is no right or wrong way. It does not have to be perfect on the first attempt. In fact, it is ill advised to think of planning your future as a one-time activity. To be effective, your plan must be dynamic; it must be revised as your values and goals change. As we mature, our personal lives change, often forcing us...