24 professional goal examples to move your career forward

When you’re in a job with no progression, each monotonous day rolls into the next, and before you know it, you dread the daily grind. On the flip side, being in a role where there’s a sense of purpose means each day has meaning. While we can’t guarantee having professional goals will make getting up at 7 am any easier, it does make work feel more worthwhile. And the best bit is you don’t even need your manager’s approval to get the ball rolling. 

In this article, we’ll run through what professional goals are, why they matter, how to plan them, plus share some examples to get you thinking. So let’s begin! 

What are professional goals?

Professional goals are work-related milestones. Whether you’re aiming to develop a specific skill set, land a promotion, or even leap into an entirely new industry, goals give you the roadmap you need to fulfill your potential.

Goals come in two formats: long-term and short-term. 

By breaking broader aims (like starting your own business or being a better public speaker) down into short-term achievements (like learning a new software or hosting a presentation), you work towards future aspirations with a series of smaller wins. 

This dual focus keeps you motivated because you’re always moving in the right direction.

Why do professional goals matter?

Motivation is defined as “the energizing of behavior in pursuit of a goal, is a fundamental element of our interaction with the world and with each other”. 

Every human and animal is motivated to fulfill their needs, beginning with food, water, and shelter. Once we’ve met those, we start looking for more challenges on our route to self-actualization. 

This process is outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, which you can see in the diagram below.

Having and achieving professional goals fits in the ‘esteem’ section, right underneath ‘self-actualization’. Without something to aim for, motivation plummets, and work starts to feel like a hamster wheel. But having lofty dreams isn’t enough — we need an actionable path to achieving them, and that’s where milestones come in. 

Milestones are the metronome beat to achieving your goals

Goals can be intimidating. So rather than freezing like a rabbit in the headlights, break them down into manageable pieces. 

Creating short-term milestones is a way to do just that: break bigger goals down into measurable, manageable steps. 

They turn daunting goals into something more bitesize and offer a series of checkpoints to celebrate along the way, which helps keep the momentum and sense of achievement going.

Why milestones matter: 

• Clarity and focus: Milestones help clarify the path to your goals and maintain focus on specific tasks.
• Motivation: They offer opportunities to celebrate progress and boost motivation.
• Progress tracking: Serve as checkpoints to measure and track your progress effectively.

A step-by-step guide to creating professional goals

Ready to plot the route to your own professional success? Here’s a tried-and-tested method to follow.

Step 1: Identify your core values

This is an important but often overlooked step. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing what others want, rather than centering our own needs. But when we set goals without fully knowing our core values, the exercise becomes an exhausting one that doesn’t get you any closer to realizing your potential. 

Our upbringing and formative life experiences shape our values, but not all of them align with who we are. It can be tricky to untangle our true desires from those we’ve inherited and unconsciously appropriated, so take the time to reflect.

Look outside of your vocational choices and think about what you enjoy doing and where your competencies lie. Maybe you’re a real people person, great with your hands, or a natural researcher. While these skills aren’t necessarily measured in terms of qualifications, they’re as valid as a degree. Pay attention and work to your strengths, even if you’ve ignored them thus far.

It’s also helpful to think about the things that leave you frustrated — their opposite could point to a core value. For example, if people who brag wind you up, one of your values could be competency over confidence. Or perhaps you hate seeing people left out, which could point to equality or justice being important to you. Focusing on goals that incorporate these values will be more fulfilling than chasing things that hold little interest. 

The better you align your career choices with your values, the more successful and motivated you’ll be.

Step 2: Imagine your ideal work role

Visualization is a powerful tool. Picture your ideal work scenario. What responsibilities do you have? What does your daily routine look like? Think about the work culture, your role in the team, and the impact you want to make. 

And don’t be afraid to begin from a place of negativity. What don’t you like? What isn’t working for you? How might you fix that?

By imagining your dream role, you get clarity on where you should steer your career. This vision acts like a spotlight, helping you chart a path that leads to professional and personal success. 

Step 3: Write down your goals

After identifying your values and imagining your ideal role, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). 

What do you want to achieve in your job? Write it down. Instead of vague ambitions, like  “career advancement,” set a goal like, “I want to be promoted to a senior project manager within two years by developing my management skills and successfully leading three high-profile projects.” 

Use what’s known as SMART goals to help you — that’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives. These help organize your thinking and keep you accountable and focused. 

Step 4: Identify your milestones

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step, or so the saying goes! It’s time to break down your big goals into actionable steps that guide you toward the finish line. 

E.g., if you’re aiming for a promotion, your milestones might be “finish a course on leadership training” or “take on a new project”. 

Step 5: Develop a plan of action 

Draft a detailed plan for each milestone, setting out every step you need to take to hit each one. Include the resources you’ll need, and think about possible challenges, plus strategies to mitigate and overcome them.

Your plan should include deadlines and checkpoints too. These help you stay focused and accountable on your journey.

Step 6: Monitor and review

Your goals should be flexible enough to adapt to new challenges or opportunities. Check in regularly. Review your progress and be prepared to tweak your plans as circumstances change. 

By staying adaptable, you have a stronger chance of keeping your goals aligned with your evolving professional vision.

Step 7: Celebrate achievements

Finally, make it a point to celebrate every milestone and goal you tick off. 

Nothing these smaller wins builds momentum, reinforcing your determination to pursue increasingly ambitious aspirations. 

It’s not just about acknowledging how far you’ve come — it’s about driving your enthusiasm to continue on your journey.

24 professional goal examples 

Need a little inspiration? Here are 31 professional goal examples to inspire you. And remember — you don’t have to pick just one, but be mindful about how much you can realistically achieve. 

1. Gain a certification 

Getting a qualification or certification is a big string to your bow, boosting credibility and confidence in the process. Not only does it showcase your commitment to professional growth — it might also open doors to exciting job opportunities and potentially higher earning power.

Short-term action: Start by researching certifications that are relevant to your career goals. Look for opportunities that fit your schedule and interests, and enroll to kickstart your journey. Your organization might even offer courses or be prepared to fund or part-fund your chosen certification, so ask around and see what’s available.

Long-term action: As you work through the course material, focus on earning your certification. Once you’ve passed, apply the new skills and knowledge in your current role to show off your growth and cement your new skills.

Tip: Set aside dedicated time each week for studying, and practice to stay on track for the exams.

2. Improve your public speaking skills

Mastering public speaking is a massive boost to your confidence, not to mention a great way to sharpen your ability to share ideas. It’s an especially essential skill for anyone with their sights on leadership roles, where clear communication is essential. 

Short-term action: Consider joining a local Toastmasters club, participating in an online public speaking group, or hosting an informal presentation at work. These environments offer supportive spaces to practice your skills.

Long-term action: Aim to deliver a presentation at a professional conference or industry event, which will help solidify your reputation as a capable speaker.

Tip: Regularly practice in low-pressure settings, like team meetings, to build your confidence gradually.

3. Grow your professional network

Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards and schmoozing over nibbles. It’s a strategy for uncovering career opportunities and potential collaborations. By building a strong and supportive network of professionals around you, you can stay on top of industry trends and advance your career. 

Short-term action: Make it a priority to attend monthly networking events or webinars in your industry. Meeting peers can lead to valuable connections.

Long-term action: Focus on developing genuine relationships that foster mutual growth over time. Nurturing these connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Tip: Always follow up with new contacts to keep the connection alive. This can be as simple as sending them an email or sharing/leaving comments on their LinkedIn posts.

4. Brush up on your tech skills

There’s not a single industry that doesn’t benefit from tech, whether that’s hospitals going paperless, AI-driven HR teams, or teams using secure collaboration tools. Staying on top of the ever-shifting landscape keeps you competitive and efficient. 

Short-term action: Set aside a few minutes each day or week to catch up with the latest tech news. You could also take part in an online course or workshop to keep your knowledge fresh. 

Long-term action: Apply what you’ve learned by leading a technical project in your organization. It’s a great opportunity to show off your skills while adding value to the company. You could also consider leading the rollout of new software that improves work processes. 

Tip: Create a structured learning plan to monitor your progress. 

5. Develop leadership abilities

Being able to lead and influence people helps you manage teams better and sets you up for senior roles in your organization. It’s also a useful life skill in general.

Short-term action: Look for leadership training programs or workshops that resonate with your goals. These can equip you with practical tools and insights. Alongside this, watch senior people in your own organization and take notes.

Long-term action: Volunteer to lead a team or initiative. This gives you the opportunity to put your newfound skills into practice while gaining experience along the way.

Tip: Actively seek feedback from peers and supervisors to refine your leadership style and approach.

6. Achieve better work-life balance

While this goal might seem more personal, finding a balance in your professional life helps you stay productive and avoid burnout.

Short-term action: Set clear boundaries regarding your work hours and commit to allocating specific times for professional tasks.

Long-term action: Set up routines that line up with both your career ambitions and your well-being. This helps you perform your best. 

Tip: Periodically review your priorities and flex your schedule to keep a healthy balance.

7. Improve your time management skills

Mastering time management helps you be on time and hit deadlines. It also lowers stress because you’re not scrabbling around trying to pull everything together at the last minute. 

Short-term action: Use tools like calendars or to-do lists to keep your daily tasks organized and prioritize your workload.

Long-term action: Be consistent about using time management strategies that work for you. This gets you into the habit, which helps you improve over time. 

Tip: Identify and eliminate distractions during focus periods to maximize your productivity.

8. Improve your writing ability 

Strong writing skills help you communicate effectively. This makes you sound confident, competent, and more professional. Writing in a professional capacity can also elevate your profile as an expert in your field, which in turn might land you opportunities for publishing and speaking engagements.

Short-term action: Start a blog or write articles for industry publications to share your insights and showcase your expertise. Book in for a business writing lesson, and find ‘how to’ articles online for pointers.

Long-term action: Set a goal to author a book or create a series of detailed professional guides that solidify your authority in your niche.

Tip: Focus on a specific area of interest to establish yourself as a go-to resource and attract an engaged audience.

9. Embrace continuous learning 

Staying updated with new trends and technologies keeps you competitive and competent. It also helps you feel engaged with your work, not to mention more confident in your abilities. Imposter syndrome, be gone! 

Short-term action: Attend webinars, take online courses, or join workshops to enhance your skill set. Read widely, and practice your skills. 

Long-term action: Take advanced certifications or degrees in your field to remain competitive and knowledgeable. 

Tip: Allocate regular time for learning and self-improvement to keep your expertise current.

10. Develop adaptability 

Being adaptable can help you navigate career changes and challenges smoothly. 

Short-term action: Challenge yourself with new experiences and roles to build resilience. 

Long-term action: Build on your ability to embrace change by learning to see it as an opportunity for growth, rather than a disaster or annoyance. 

Tip: Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to help you stay calm when things go sideways. 

11. Create new responsibilities for yourself 

Taking the initiative makes you look good and could open new career opportunities. Plus, positioning yourself as an expert boosts your value and influence. 

Short-term action: Plan a 60-minute team brainstorming session this month to tackle a challenge or process improvement. This shows leadership and initiative. 

Long-term action: Develop a proposal for a new project or workflow enhancement within the next six months. This can showcase your proactive capabilities. 

Tip: Align your new responsibilities with organizational goals to ensure their relevance and potential impact.

12. Strengthen emotional intelligence 

Understanding and managing emotions helps you traverse professional and personal relationships with poise. Whether you’re navigating a communication breakdown or negotiating a raise, understanding your own emotions and the thoughts and feelings of others is an enduringly useful skill. 

Short-term action: Reflect on your emotional responses and identify any triggers. Keep a diary to reflect on your responses (good and bad) over a week or longer.

Long-term action: Improve communication skills by practicing empathy and active listening. 

Tip: Attend workshops or read books on emotional intelligence to strengthen your understanding.

13. Improve your feedback skills

Delivering clear feedback strengthens teamwork and project outcomes. When done well, it can inspire people while improving their work.

Short-term action: Share a positive feedback note at your next 1:1 with a colleague. Positivity builds a supportive culture. 

Long-term action: Use the COIN feedback model by the end of this quarter to have structured, effective conversations. 

Tip: Focus on being specific and solutions-focused to boost the quality of your feedback.

14. Find new challenges in your role 

Taking on new challenges helps you step outside your comfort zone, boosting your skills and making you a more valuable team member. By handling a new project or more duties, you’ll gain confidence and stand out for your can-do attitude. 

Short-term action: Over the next five weeks, enroll in a project management course or research a new area of interest in your field. This will prepare you for tougher tasks. 

Long-term action: Target managing a new project in your role this year. Leading a new initiative will show you can handle responsibility and deliver results. 

Tip: Look for opportunities to stretch your skills, and volunteer for challenging tasks to broaden your expertise.

15. Improve collaboration in your team 

Collaboration boosts productivity, sparks ideas, and builds an inclusive workplace. By promoting teamwork across functions, you can help your team thrive and learn from different roles. 

Short-term action: This week, set up a regular team check-in for everyone to briefly share their work. This encourages communication and the value of teamwork. 

Long-term action: Throughout the year, find two ways for team members to work cross-functionally. This kind of collaboration strengthens connections and unlocks new solutions. You could also invest in collaboration tools to further embed it in your team’s culture and make it easier.  

Tip: Consider different working styles and align team strengths for better results.

16. Be vocal about your opinions 

Expressing your opinions on work topics marks you as an engaged and thoughtful team player. Speaking up builds confidence and leadership while giving you the opportunity to stand up for your values. 

Short-term action: Share a suggestion at your next team meeting. Start with a simple idea or insight on the topic at hand. 

Long-term action: Post monthly on LinkedIn about industry trends over six months. This bolsters your reputation as a valuable contributor. 

Tip: Make sure your opinions are informed and constructive, and be open to feedback to foster idea exchange. Remember to fact-check and reference any claims with reputable sources.

17. Learn from thought leaders in your industry 

Keeping up with industry trends and expert insights gives you an edge. Learning from leaders keeps you informed and helps integrate best practices into your work. 

Short-term action: Spend a week starting each day with an article from a key industry source. This keeps you connected to fresh ideas. 

Long-term action: Set a goal to read 15 books by industry experts this year. This deep dive will expand your knowledge and viewpoints. 

Tip: Share what you learn with colleagues or apply these insights at work to demonstrate your growth and expertise.

18. Sharpen your focus 

From phone notifications to emails, it’s hard to stay focused. Knowing how to minimize distractions is vital for focus and productivity. A clear mind improves work quality and lowers stress. 

Short-term action: Silence phone notifications for a week to boost concentration. This simple action can greatly improve focus. If you can’t resist, lock your phone up or put it in another room. Out of sight, out of mind! You could also consider block-booking chunks of time for dedicated work with emails switched off. If you’re worried about not replying to people, set a timed ‘out of office; informing them that you’re tackling a full workload, and will reply to them in a set number of hours. 

Long-term action: Over three months, invest in creating a distraction-free workspace, be it better equipment, organizing your area, or investing in tools or apps that come with ‘do not disturb’ functions. 

Tip: Regularly review distractions to adjust your environment for optimal focus.

19. Learn from those above you 

Studying those in higher roles gives you insights into leadership, decision-making, and career development. Imitating successful habits of your superiors can speed up your progress and give you a model for success. 

Short-term action: Set a 30-minute meeting with a senior leader this month. Ask how to advance your career and find growth areas. 

Long-term action: In six months, observe team leaders’ strategies. Pick one trait from each to adopt, like stress management or team leadership. 

Tip: Don’t just watch — engage with leaders through questions and feedback to boost your growth.

20. Track your progress 

Recording your achievements gives you the opportunity to celebrate your achievements. It also helps you improve in a consistent fashion, while highlighting the impact of your efforts. 

Short-term action: Find a “quick win” this week, like completing a task ahead of time or streamlining a process. This will boost your motivation. 

Long-term action: Create a list of success metrics for your field, then set monthly goals to improve these metrics by a set amount over the next year.

Tip: Log and share your successes with your manager. This raises your profile and workplace credibility. 

21. Help your teammates 

Helping teammates sets a great precedent and builds a positive atmosphere. It’s also an essential leadership quality and marks you out as someone capable and collaborative. 

Short-term action: Offer help to a colleague, or volunteer to take part in new starter onboarding. 

Long-term action: Identify a process for improvement over the next year, and create a plan to present to your team. You could also plan a series of lessons, where you teach your colleagues a useful skill, like data analytics or business writing tips. 

Tip: Proactively aiding others boosts team morale and positions you as a problem solver.

22. Go above and beyond with your tasks

Delivering early and offering extra help highlights you as a committed professional. It also builds trust and boosts your reputation. 

Short-term action: Next time your manager asks for help, offer assistance outside your usual tasks. This shows readiness to support. 

Long-term action: Aim to complete all work two days early this quarter. This allows revisions and shows your reliability. 

Tip: Consistently going the extra mile enhances your reputation and develops skills in new areas.

23. Share your goals with others 

Sharing your career goals with your team and manager helps you align your ambitions with organizational needs while creating a greater sense of accountability. Plus, being proactive increases the chances of receiving support and opportunities that match your aspirations. 

Short-term action: At your next 1:1 meeting, discuss your career goals with your manager and seek their guidance on achieving them. 

Long-term action: Track your progress over the quarter or year, and share your progress with your manager, asking them for feedback and tips for the next leg of your journey. 

Tip: Revisit your goals often, adjusting them based on feedback or shift in priorities to stay on course.

24. Systematically work on your weaknesses 

While it’s good to recognize our strengths (especially for those prone to imposter syndrome), reflecting on areas for improvement is key to growth. By working on your weaknesses, you become more well-rounded and confident. 

Short-term action: Pick a skill to improve, be it hard or soft, and dedicate a week to learning through articles or videos. You might want to ask your manager or a trusted colleague for some (constructive) criticism to help guide your thinking. 

Long-term action: Volunteer for at least two projects over six months that require your weaker skills. This hands-on approach is like a rocket launcher for improvement. 

Tip: Seek regular feedback to track your progress and find new growth opportunities.

How project management tools can help you hit your career milestones 

Think project management tools are just for big organizations? Think again. Whether you’re a freelancer, running a small business, or the project manager of a giant corporation, these tools help you set priorities and keep track of what needs to get done. With handy features like to-do lists, calendars, and visual progress trackers, you can stay on top of things and not miss any important deadlines along the way. 

Plus, they make it easier to work with others by simplifying communication and sharing information, which boosts everyone’s productivity and keeps you all moving in the same direction. By using a tool built for projects, you can tidy up your work routine and skillfully steer your career path to success. Try it for free today!