How to Make Progress on Your Long-Term Career Goals

Most of us would prefer to think long-term about our careers, rather than just veering randomly to snag perceived opportunities and avoid pitfalls. But how can you adopt a strategic lens when you might not be entirely sure where you want to end up? The author offers four strategies: 1) Start by figuring out what you don’t want. 2) Pick one direction as your “provisional hypothesis” for where you want your career to go. 3) Double down on foundational skills and knowledge that will make you better, no matter what direction you ultimately decide to pursue. 4) Take stock of your emotional and mental energy. One of the most important elements in thinking strategically about your career is understanding that our lives operate in cycles — the author calls it “thinking in waves” — and we have to recognize where we are in that process.