- Show people what motivates you.
- Set personal and professional goals.
- Take actions to achieve those goals.
- Name what holds you back in doing this.
- Reflect and keep your attention on the goals.
- Satisfy your obligations.
- Retain focus on your goal.
- Find your own way in uncertain situations.
45min.
1 Know What You Want
When you know what you want, your direction becomes clear. Goals driven by intrinsic motivation (what you care about) are more likely to succeed.
While many separate personal and professional goals, aligning them creates synergy. Don't separate work and life—use both spaces to move toward your aspirations. There are only 24 hours in a day—make them count in all areas of life.
2 Goals Need Action
If you’re not moving forward, ask yourself why. Is something holding you back? Could it be your conditioned state of mind?
Take charge of your professional development. Reflect regularly:
• What progress have I made?
• Does this goal still matter?
Sometimes, we chase goals out of habit. Pause and ask—have I already succeeded? Know when to stop and appreciate your accomplishments.
3 Own Your Challenges
When faced with challenges or uncertainty, take responsibility for finding solutions. Seek advice, but don’t depend on others to solve your problems. Avoid blame; it gives away your power (surrenders control over your future).
Ask yourself:
1) Can I solve this, or a limitation I must accept?
2) Am I motivated or just running on autopilot (out of habit)? Refocus on your goals.
3) Is this my goal or someone else’s?
4) Do I have the skills? Most skills are learnable.
4 Success is Shared
Even personal goals often require help from others. When you receive support, be ready to return it. People expect reciprocity. Your continued success depends on honoring these mutual contributions.
Success shared with others is more fulfilling and sustainable.
5 Embrace Uncertainty
Professional development means facing the unknown. That’s what makes life both challenging and rewarding.
Every day is a chance to learn something new. True growth comes from navigating uncertainty. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve.
Application
You can convert the above into actions on the project/programme/portfolio for which you are currently responsible, by carrying out the following steps:
• Show people what motivates you.
• Set personal and professional goals.
• Take actions to achieve those goals.
• Name what holds you back from doing this.
• Reflect and keep your attention on the goals.
• Satisfy your obligations.
• Retain focus on your goal.
• Find your own way in uncertain situations.
