Planning for Professional Success: The Power of Productivity
We recently hosted The Power of Productivity: Planning for Professional Success, a virtual workshop designed to help participants set goals, plan effectively, and take actionable steps toward their professional development.
The session was led by Kerry Ann King, founder and CEO of Eluminate Labs, creator of the app Fin - Positive Productivity. With a focus on goal setting and practical planning, Kerry Ann’s insights helped attendees think critically about their career paths and personal goals.
Step 1: Think about what you REALLY want to do!
Setting goals that are inspiring will help you get things done.
We all spend so much time doing–studying, working, socializing–that we don’t spend a lot of time planning. You should take some time, at least every calendar quarter, to think about what you’d like to accomplish. This helps you make sure you’re headed in a direction that makes sense for you.
Your goals can be big things that will advance your career like learning a new skill or small things that will make your life more fulfilling like reading more or listening to more music. The most important part of step one is that you think about what will have a positive impact for you and why.
Step 2: Setting SMART Goals
Kerry Ann encouraged attendees to turn their goal from step one into a SMART goal. SMART goals are:
Specific: Define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Set criteria to track your progress.
Attainable: Ensure your goal is realistic yet challenging.
Relevant: Align it with your priorities and passions.
Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency.
For example, instead of saying, “I want to be a better student,” set a goal like, “I will dedicate 90 minutes daily to class readings.” Reading for 90 minutes a day is a specific, measurable goal that is relevant to being a better student and is time-bound by the start and end of the semester.
Step 3: Applying the Four Cs
Kerry Ann introduced attendees to the Four Cs for building an actionable plan:
Context: Understand the who, what, when, where, and why of your goal.
Compassion: Act to alleviate struggles—both your own and others’—as you work toward your goals.
Clarity: Focus on specific, achievable actions.
Consistency: Build habits that keep you moving forward, even when motivation wanes.
Identifying your 4Cs is important because it allows you to think about the possible pitfalls and ultimate rewards of your goal.
Step 4: Set Yourself Up for Success!
Productivity techniques can help you keep on track, even when things get difficult. By employing these strategies, you can get your tasks done and keep moving towards your goals.
Pomodoro Technique: Set a timer for 15/30/45 minutes and work for the full amount of time. Once you’re done, take a break!
The Eisenhower Technique: Decide what to do first but sorting your tasks by urgency and importance.
Eat Your Frogs: Do your most difficult tasks first and get them out of the way. Give yourself a treat when you finish.
Big Rock: Block out time to do your biggest tasks. Fit your smaller tasks in around completing those big tasks.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Productivity isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about moving forward and learning along the way.
As Kerry Ann King aptly stated, “Pray with your legs.” Take action, embrace challenges, and trust the process.
What’s your next SMART goal? Share it in the comments and let’s inspire each other!