How to Set Career Goals
A career rarely goes where you want by accident. A few clear goals, reviewed regularly, keep you moving toward the work you actually want.
To set career goals, picture where you want to be in three to five years, work backward to the skills, experiences and relationships that will get you there, set one or two goals for the next twelve months, break each into actions this quarter, share them with your manager or a mentor and review them every few months. Career goals should guide decisions, not lock you in.
Many people manage their career one job at a time, reacting to whatever comes next. Setting a few clear goals changes that. It helps you say yes to the right opportunities and no to the ones that pull you off course.
For the bigger picture, read Human Potential: A Complete Guide.
Six steps to set career goals
- Picture three to five years out. Role, work, life.
- Work backward. Skills, experiences, relationships.
- Pick one or two for this year. Focus beats lists.
- Break them into actions. This quarter, this month.
- Share them. With a manager or mentor.
- Review regularly. Adjust as you learn.
Picture the destination
Describe the work you want to be doing, the kind of team you want to lead or join and how you want your life to feel. Be specific enough that you would recognize it.
Work backward
What skills, experiences and relationships does that future require? Which do you already have, and which are missing? The gaps become your goals.
Share them
Managers cannot help with goals they do not know about. Telling your manager or a mentor what you are working toward opens doors to projects and opportunities. See How to Ask for More Responsibility at Work.
Goal setting is part of my signature keynote, You Are Capable of More. See also How to Set Goals and Actually Keep Them.
Career goals keep you moving on purpose. Picture three to five years out, work backward to what it requires, pick one or two goals for this year, break them into actions, share them and review regularly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you set career goals?
What are examples of career goals?
Should you share career goals with your manager?
How often should you review career goals?
You Are Capable of More
A No-Excuses Guide to Becoming Your Best Self. The bestselling book behind Chris’s keynotes and the 2026 Paris Book Festival winner in the How-To category. Many teams hand a copy to every seller at their kickoff.
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