Bert Kreischer on Long-Term Career Goals

The following is from guest writer, Ed Russo.

Have you considered how you want to fnish your professional career? This timeframe may feel beyond your comprehension, but 30 years can go by quickly. Without some defined goals, it’s easy to blink and realize you have not accomplished what you had intended. Bert Kreischer addressed this head on.

Bert Kreischer finished his 6^th year at Florida State University as Rolling Stone Magazine’s number one party animal in 1997. It’s rumored that National Lampoon’s Van Wilder is based on Bert. He parlayed this notoriety into an entertainment career as a standup comedian and host of Travel Channel’s Trip Flip. On a recent episode of Bertcast, his popular podcast, he announced his career goals:

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There’s nobility to knowing what you want… it’s saying it out there. I’ll tell you what I like. I love hosting. I’ll never stop hosting as long as I live. It is a muscle that I’ve figured out and I can do it… and it is fun as f*** … but I also want a sitcom.
Goal-setting techniques are used by successful people in all fields. By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure your progress and continuously motivate yourself to progress toward the vision you have for your ideal work life. You will be able to see forward movement in what might otherwise feel like a long, pointless grind. By setting and taking action toward your goals, you will raise your self-confidence.
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There’s nobility to knowing what you want… it’s saying it out there. I’ll tell you what I like. I love hosting. I’ll never stop hosting as long as I live. It is a muscle that I’ve figured out and I can do it… and it is fun as f*** … but I also want a sitcom.

Setting goals isn’t a new concept. You are probably very good at setting organizational goals, but have you thought about a realistic timeline for your career goals? Many of you are of the generation that is accustomed to instant gratification. You don’t want to be rewarded primarily for longevity, that just means you survived.

Ever seriously contemplate what your next 25 years could look like? Consider these questions:

What do you want to have achieved in 25 years?
What is your path to get there?
What are the milestones that you can use along the way to track your progress?
What skills, certifications, degrees, and other prerequisites do you need to satisfy it?
Do you currently have what you need or will you be more successful when you have more on the job experience?

According to the University of California – Berkley’s Learning + Organizational Development department, setting career development goals will allow you to develop action steps that will lead you to success.

Goal-setting techniques are used by successful people in all fields. By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure your progress and continuously motivate yourself to progress toward the vision you have for your ideal work life. You will be able to see forward movement in what might otherwise feel like a long, pointless grind. By setting and taking action toward your goals, you will raise your self-confidence.

UCB offers a few tips for setting effective goals:

Express your goals positively, not in terms of what you don’t want.
Be precise in setting dates, times, and amounts.
Set priorities so that you know which of your goals to focus your attention toward first.
Write your goals down so you can craft them to be precise and clear.
Break down your goals into small, achievable tasks.

Answering these questions and proclaiming your goals publicly will keep you focused and deliberate in your professional development. As Bert said, “there’s nobility to knowing what you want.” What do you have to lose?

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Ed Russo is the Program Manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Mr. Russo works with educators, law enforcement, community leaders, and government officials to implement child safety resources into schools and communities across the country. Through presentations and trainings, Mr. Russo provides participants with information about how safety resources can help prevent the victimization of children. Prior to joining the Center he was a Human Resources Manager in a Florida County Clerk’s Office and has over 18 years of teaching experience. Mr. Russo is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BS degree in Education.

Mr. Russo can be contacted through Twitter and LinkedIn.