I recently read a wonderful quote from William A. Ward, an American scholar, author, and pastor. Here’s the quote: “Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.”
In addition to the memorable alliterative nature of the quote, bells rang in my head. For me, the quote summed up the true meaning of what it takes to have a successful career.
Let me explain.
First, “Plan with purpose.” How does this apply to your career?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” Setting your career direction is the first and most important decision you have to make. How can you achieve a goal unless you define it?
Ask yourself “What do I want?” You will find answers in your dreams, longings, the thoughts you have put on the shelf and what naturally attracts you. Talk to people about what they do and if a profession sounds interesting to you, ask more questions and do your research.
If you’ve decided you want to move up in your organization, model your behavior and actions on high performers and learn how to use office politics and corporate culture to your advantage.
Second, “Prepare yourselves in prayer.”
Trust that you can and will get what you want. I mean having faith that with careful planning, hard work, and laser-like focus on your goal, it can become a reality. Focused intention is powerful.
When I was in human resources at Squibb Corporation, I remember wanting badly to be promoted to a recruiting position. My intention was strong and I worked diligently for 3 years, learning as much as I could, asking for and taking on more responsibility.
I was promoted shortly after. Yes, it was the realization of a dream that I was confident would come to pass. But I planned it. I asked for what I wanted (from my boss and from myself) and took tactical action steps (learning how to interview by signing up for classes and screening candidates).
Faith coupled with planning is a winning combination.
Third, “It proceeded positively.”
Once you’ve decided what you want and carefully crafted a plan to get it done, feed it with good thoughts and an optimistic attitude.
Have you ever noticed that it is always the people who think they will succeed, who do? That is not an accident. Beyond the power of positive thinking, I truly believe that you can shape your destiny with your thoughts.
Start each day being grateful for what you have and expect good things to happen. Most of the time, they will.
Four, “Persistently pursue.”
Woody Allen once said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
Your target is often waiting around the corner after your latest mishap. Just when you feel like your plan isn’t going to work because you’re tired or put off by a naysayer, that’s the time to try one more time.
Of course, along the way you may need to modify or refine the plan. That’s being smart. Advice from a trusted mentor should be welcomed and included in her action steps.
If your heart tells you to continue, listen to it. And take action every day.
What small, incremental steps can you take today to move your plan forward? Your new career is waiting for you!