Here's how you can navigate the process of setting and achieving career goals as a beginner.

In my opinion the way we tend to discuss goals is very backwards. Think about how many times you've thought that you've created a goal but really you created more of an expectation. And not reaching that expectation with full devastates you because of the mindset you created. I would not create career goals such as x amount of income within a certain period of time or x role within a period of time. Instead focus on a "path" or "route". Focus on the daily habits and behaviors that help you become more of who you want to be especially as a professional. For example, if I want to be a successful business owner. It's not just about making x revenue it's also about making sure I'm prepared to be the type of business owner I need to be.

Navigating the process of setting and achieving career goals as a beginner starts with identifying your passions and strengths. Set clear, achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps. Seek mentorship and continuously build your skills through education and experience. Stay adaptable and open to feedback, and celebrate your progress along the way to keep yourself motivated and on track.

When it comes to achieving goals, they should be realistic. Nowadays, many people sell dreams, but I’m not saying you will never reach your goals. I just mean that your goals should be realistic. When choosing your goals, consider what you are good at and whether you can make a living in that field. Make sure the field has career opportunities. Always take calculated risks, which is very important. For me, using the SMART goal framework has helped me track my goals, and you can use it too.

When seeking clarity about your career goals, first and foremost ask yourself the question "How do I want to live my life?". If you want to set yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction in your career, you want to chose a path that matches with the life (or lifestyle) that you desire. Otherwise, it's very likely that you will end up feeling unhappy, drained, or burnt out. Take time to reflect on what is important in your current life and how these priorities can be translated into a career goal, thus leading to a sustainable career path.

When you know where you want to go, plan a roadmap and figure out how much time it will take. Use first principles thinking to break down big goals into smaller ones, and apply the SMART goals framework to achieve them. This helps you track your progress and ensures you reach your goals. For example, if your goal is to become a product manager in one year, a SMART goal could be: "Complete a Product Management certification course within the next three months." This goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

While setting goals and measuring progress is crucial, I believe it’s equally important to first understand what you should be working on and why. Ask yourself why a particular goal is significant for you right now. Is it truly worth your focus and energy? When you understand the importance of a goal and how it will benefit you, your motivation to achieve it naturally follows.

One important thing I’ve learned is to always keep growing and learning new things. Be willing to unlearn old methods if they’re not effective. Always have a learner’s mindset: stay updated with new technologies and apply them to your work or business to make life simpler and easier. Here’s an example to illustrate this: a professor once came to lecture and said, "I am a student of this subject, and I am going to teach you." This shows that even with knowledge, you should not be egotistic. Instead, always stay open to learning. Thanks!

Besides upskilling and enhancing your current skillset, you can leverage your existing skills by stacking them up and combining them in your very own unique way. Think about what makes the combination of your knowledge and expertise special and what is it, that only you can bring to the table. The key to get ready for the future is not to wait for a job or task to match your skills, but to create it yourself. In that way you are always one step ahead of the game.

Get hands-on: Experiment and explore! The most effective way to gather feedback is through experimentation and trial. Apply the knowledge gained on your journey and showcase your work to the world – whether it's your friends, colleagues, or company. Invite their input and keep in mind that everyone offers a unique perspective. Resist the urge to make immediate changes based on one person's viewpoint alone. Instead, embrace diverse insights and consider how they might enrich your work. Reflect on the conversations, and adjust your approach if it aligns with your goals.