How to align your personal growth with your career goals

Do you often feel like you're being pulled in two opposite directions by your personal and professional goals? While striking a perfect balance between these two defining aspects of life is difficult, you can always strike a balance that works for you. One way to do this is by taking your personal goals into account while making important career decisions and vice versa. While making a career move, always consider the consequences and benefits your decision will have on your mental peace and satisfaction. A great way to know if your personal and professional goals are aligned is by performing a career assessment at least twice a year. Make sure to include questions in this assessment that will give you an insight into your personal growth and development too.

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Here are five simple ways to align your personal and professional goals.

Set realistic goals

While you're setting your professional goals for the next two years, ask yourself where you want to be in your personal life within the the same span of time. Once you have clarity on the two objectives, you'll be in a better position to decide if you want to take the promotion or change cities and start afresh.

Create to-do lists that align personal growth with career goals

When you're making your to-do list every morning, make sure it caters to your personal as well as professional goals. For example, if you have to complete presentation within the work day, then ensure that you hit the gym only after it’s done.

Listen to your gut feeling

If your intuition is telling you that you are over-working yourself and that you need to stop, you should listen to your gut feeling before you burnout. Your intuition will, more likely than not, strike a perfect balance between your personal and professional life and if you pay attention to it, you'll be happier and content.

Be financially wise

If you don't manage your money, your money will manage you. Start by separating your income in different accounts for specific purposes. This will help keep safe the rainy-day fund intact, a precaution you ought to take if you do wish to take some time off work, or as a reserve for future personal requirements.

Start work on your goals today

Tough days are just part of the bargain called life. Be it work or home, you are bound to get riled up with circumstances beyond your control. But don't let them get the better of you or divert your mind to stray away from the goal. Once you have your goals listed down, jump into action and start working towards fulfilling them. Celebrate when you achieve a goal to keep yourself encouraged and motivated.

Performing a personal as well as career assessment will give you clarity on how far you've come. As Jimmy Dean once said, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."