Dear Ambitious Friends,
I've been quieter than usual on social media, and today, I want to share why – because I know many of you might be navigating similar challenges in your own careers and lives.
The Valley Moment
Early this year, I faced one of those pivotal moments we rarely prepare for: I lost my job. Like many high achievers, I had unconsciously tied my worth to my professional identity. Without the familiar backdrop of titles and accomplishments, I found myself questioning my value and direction – all while managing a cross-state move and my roles as a parent and spouse.
The Raw Truth
The truth? I spent time in what I call the "valley of despair." Those perfectly crafted 2024 goals I had set seemed to blur and fade. The pressure to maintain a perfect balance—excelling in my career, being present for my family, and pursuing personal growth—felt overwhelming.
It's a side of goal-setting and ambition we don't discuss enough in professional spaces.
During this time, I learned three things about goals and how they can improve your life.
3 Game-Changing Insights About Goal Achievement
The Power of Daily Visual Reminders: Research shows that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.
A daily reminder can be journaling or creating a vision board that you see every day.
Having these visual reminders keeps you focused and motivated when you feel lost or uninspired. Find a method that works for you and stick to it.
Quarterly Goals: The Sweet Spot Instead of getting overwhelmed by annual targets, I've found that breaking goals into quarterly milestones makes them more manageable and measurable. This approach allows for regular assessment and course correction.
Think of it as having four fresh starts each year rather than just one.
Breaking Down Big Goals into Daily Actions: Let's say your goal is to get promoted by year-end. Here's how to break it down into daily actions:
Spend 15 minutes each morning reviewing key projects and identifying high-impact tasks.
Schedule one coffee chat per week with senior leaders or mentors.
Document your wins daily in a "success journal."
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to learning a new skill relevant to the next role.
Practice one presentation or public speaking exercise weekly.
Professional Growth Update:
During this period of reflection and growth, I've evolved personally and professionally. I'm proud to share that I've:
Became an AI Bot Builder (certified by the AI Leadership Institute)
Qualified as an AI Solutions Architect
Secured a lead role at a biotech company
But more importantly, I've discovered my true passion: helping ambitious professionals break through mindset barriers and build fulfilling careers.
What's Next?
Ready to start planning your own career journey? I've created a Free Career Planning Worksheet to help you plan your next steps.
Here's to building something beautiful together,
Eva
Take Action Now:
Download my free Career Planning Worksheet [HERE] to start mapping your success journey.