I don’t know about you, but for me, summertime promotes two things: 

1. Tranquil sentiments of rest— Summer provides us with a chance to slow down and restore our energy, especially in the Northeast. It’s a few short months to get outside and bask in the warm sunshine. It’s a time for effortless adventure and a season of play.
2. A token of time— Summertime is also a gentle reminder that we’re halfway through the year. It is an ideal time to recheck your career goals. I’m not talking about those stale, demotivating, check-the-box S.M.A.R.T. goals. I’m talking about your heart-based goals. Your career aspirations that are FUN & ENERGIZING — the way work should feel. Are you on track?

I remember going through the annual goal-setting process in my 9 to 5 job. Frankly, it felt more like a check-the-box exercise. It felt like I was going through the motions to draft rigid “SMART” goals. But, I often thought, shouldn’t this feel motivating & energizing? And this is saying a lot coming from the H.R. girl who was leading this annual process! 

Now, as a career coach, the rigid “SMART” goal-setting activity has been transformed into HEART-based goal setting.

Each season I spend time dreaming & scheming about the coming months — it’s a process I call Heart-Based Career Planning.

Here’s my breakdown: 

• What do I want to accomplish this season — are these ideas heart-centered, meaning they align with my core + lifestyle values? And do they generate excitement in my belly?
• From there, I break down my ideas into tiny actions — this makes them MUCH more digestible and likely to turn into reality. 
• Finally, I add all the tactical details to make it happen — get them on the calendar, reach out for help and give myself a deadline.

This summer, I invite you to join me in basking in this restful season and checking in on your heart-based career goals — are you ready to reclaim your career path?  

Click HERE for more from this season’s newsletter, including the latest #careertalk, a dose of inspiration, and my flourishing favs! ❀