I am sure almost everyone you know has dreams of reaching the top of their profession. To be considered the best in what they do and in the process achieve their dreams. Yet, if I were to ask you how many people you know have actually achieved their dreams, the answer would for most of us- be "Very few".

Do pause for a moment and think how these "very few" have achieved their dreams. You would probably find that without exception: they had set goals for themselves all though their careers.

They are distinctly different from many others who drift along taking each new day as it comes- without having specific goals they aim to achieve.

We have known since time immemorial that in anything that we do, we tend to drift- without goals. Lewis Carroll wrote delightfully in "Alice in Wonderland":

"Alice went on. `Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where-' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`-so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'

That- to me - just about sums it up. Having a goal gives you direction. A sense of purpose, if you will. Knowing what you want to achieve and working towards achieving it is in itself a great motivator.

Goal setting in the career perspective cannot be done in isolation. You would do well to tie this with your understanding of yourself- both as a professional and as a person. As you know, we use SWOT as an analytical tool in developing our business strategy. Likewise, do one for yourself: as an individual. What are your Strengths & Weaknesses? What are the Opportunities & Threats that you see? Unlike strengths and weaknesses which are largely within us, opportunities and threats are external to us. It would be most unwise to ignore what goes on around us, especially in our business environment. What are the trends that could affect your career- either positively or adversely? This is applicable at any stage of your career- whether you are just starting out in your career or you already have considerable experience.

We often use the term "stretch" goals to describe goals that challenge and bring out the best in us. Build this aspect in to your career plans. If the goals set are reached very easily, you don't get the satisfaction of true achievement. On the other hand,

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