Choose the Horizon over the Hole

The Importance of Career Direction Over Career Destination

When it comes to making career decisions, many people focus too heavily on an end goal - the destination of a dream job or a certain title/role.  However, being clear on the direction in which you are moving your career is a more powerful marker of a flourishing career than is having a specific destination you aim for.

Using a simple analogy: direction is like the horizon, continually pulling you forward, while destination is like landing in a hole, and once you are there, you might find yourself stuck with limited visibility and options.

The reality is that the world of work is changing at a pace faster than ever before.  It is constantly evolving with new roles and opportunities and career pathways opening at a generous rate.

Keep aiming for the Horizon - Your Direction

• Always have a Horizon you are aiming for - make it exciting and a bit scary.
• The point of the horizon/direction in career is not to reach it, it is that it always ahead of you. 
• There are always multiple pathways to move towards the horizon.
• Prioritising the horizon/direction helps you remain open to opportunities that emerge.  You can flex and adapt and follow your maturing interests.
• Keeping your focus on direction helps you maintain an attitude of continuous learning and improvement.  You're not just chasing a single goal; you are developing skills and experiences to enrich your whole career journey.
• It is also more fun and more satisfying. 

The Hole - Your Destination

• While a destination is a clear target, it can also limit your vision and lead to disappointment if you miss it or if it turn out to be less fulfilling that you imagined.
• In a single focus on a destination there is a greater possibility that you overlook other valuable opportunities that come your way.
• A destination can blind you to your own changing needs and who you how, or can, become.

This doesn't mean that you don't set short term goals.  In any healthy career it is vital that you do, but keep these goals in the range of 6-months to two years.  Any longer than that and you might get caught in a hole.

Flourishing in any career is rarely a straight line.  By focusing on your overall direction - your personal horizon - rather than a fixed destination, you'll be better prepared to navigate the twists and turns of your professional journey.  Keep your eyes on a compelling horizon, and you'll always have room to grow, adapt, and flourish in your career.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine