Five years is a very common time trajectory for setting career goals in a variety of industries, and it can help with your cosmetology career plans as well. This amount of time is so popular because it is a long enough period of time to take action on a variety of steps, but it is no too much time. By taking the time to determine where you want to be in five years and detail the steps necessary to get there, you can significantly increase the chances of obtaining your dreams.
Brainstorm Your Goals, Big and Small
Take some time to sit and really think about your goals, big and small
The very first step in creating a five-year plan for your cosmetology career is to write down all your goals, both big and small. This should include your personal, professional, and financial goals. Although your plan may focus on your career, it is important to recognize what type of personal goals you have, such as wanting to travel or financial goals such as owning your own house, since many of these goals are closely related. It is essential you actually write down your goals since those who write them down are 33 percent more likely to achieve them.
During your initial brainstorming session, you should write down everything of which you can think without editing them out, as this will come later. After you have written everything down, start to think about the steps necessary to achieve them. At this stage, you may start crossing some things off the list or prioritizing your goals.
Determine a Realistic Schedule
After looking at the brainstorming list, it is time to create a realistic schedule for completing everything necessary to achieve your goal. This may take some prioritizing and re-shuffling of the smaller goals. You may need to do some research to determine what steps you need to take. For example, if you have a goal to become a hair color specialist, then it is important to recognize that you will need additional training and education beyond just that needed for your cosmetology license.
Consider how long school and other training will realistically take you
During your research phase, be sure to look at the length of time certain things take, such as training, as well as any expenses you may need. You can always reach out to people currently holding your dream job to find out what they did to get there. This provides insight into the steps you need to take and will help you to create your plan.
Putting it All Together
Now that you have a solid idea of the steps necessary and the right schedule, it is time to put it all together. It is important that you make it as explicit as possible and include all the small steps needed. You want to have some milestones along the way that are smaller goals that help you achieve your larger goal. This will make you feel like you are accomplishing something as you continue towards your larger goal, which in turn helps you to stay determined and on track. Examples of smaller goals may be to finish school, get a job in a salon, take a specialty course in a particular field, save a certain amount of money, and more.
Revisit it and Make Changes
Once you have written your five-year plan, it does not stop there. It is important that you continually revisit it to ensure you stay on track. Many people find it best to have the plan in a place they see it every day. When you revisit it, you can check off the stages you complete and see where you may need to adjust to remain on track. It is also important to be flexible with your plan and to make changes when life throws surprises your way.
Even if you hit some road bumps, you can still achieve your career goals
Although you do not want to procrastinate in achieving your goals, you also do not want to become so disheartened by a problem, such as losing a job, being rejected by your dream employer, or becoming ill, that you give up on your dream entirely. These hurdles may delay the time it takes to achieve your goal; however, by having a flexible five-year plan, you can still achieve your dreams while also adjusting for the curveballs that life throws your way.
A five-year plan can ensure you achieve the career you want within the cosmetology industry. It may start with going to school, continue with finding your first job, and then end with opening up your own business or securing a job in your dream salon. Whatever your ultimate goal, writing down the small and large steps it takes to get there will help you to achieve it.
Part of your five-year plan should include continuing education, such as that offered by Beauty Academy. Check out our courses to see how they can help you achieve your dreams.