What’s My Next?

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Most of us are familiar with the term “GPS”—so much so that we rarely stop to think about what it stands for: global positioning system. It’s become second nature to use GPS to get from point A to point B, especially if you’re directionally challenged like me. It provides step‑by‑step instructions, and we trust it without question—that is until something goes wrong.

Most of us are familiar with the term “GPS”—so much so that we rarely stop to think about what it stands for: global positioning system. It’s become second nature to use GPS to get from point A to point B, especially if you’re directionally challenged like me. It provides step‑by‑step instructions, and we trust it without question—that is until something goes wrong.

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You don’t realize how dependent you are on GPS until you lose signal on the way to a new location. If you haven’t reviewed the directions in advance, you’re stuck. Or worse, you’re caught in the dreaded “rerouting” loop, making multiple U‑turns while your GPS recalculates. Sound familiar?

You don’t realize how dependent you are on GPS until you lose signal on the way to a new location. If you haven’t reviewed the directions in advance, you’re stuck. Or worse, you’re caught in the dreaded “rerouting” loop, making multiple U‑turns while your GPS recalculates. Sound familiar?

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Career development has become just as common in the workplace. Each year, when performance goals are due, one question inevitably arises:

Career development has become just as common in the workplace. Each year, when performance goals are due, one question inevitably arises:

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“Where do you see yourself in one year? Two years? What are your long‑term goals?”

“Where do you see yourself in one year? Two years? What are your long‑term goals?”

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The first time you’re asked, you probably give it your all—crafting SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time‑bound) that feel like a clear destination. But over time, the process can become tedious. You’re juggling deadlines, receiving vague or inconsistent direction, and trying to make sense of shifting priorities. Suddenly, your career development feels less like a guided journey and more like a GPS gone rogue. Rerouting!

The first time you’re asked, you probably give it your all—crafting SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time‑bound) that feel like a clear destination. But over time, the process can become tedious. You’re juggling deadlines, receiving vague or inconsistent direction, and trying to make sense of shifting priorities. Suddenly, your career development feels less like a guided journey and more like a GPS gone rogue. Rerouting!

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I’ve been there. And based on my experience, here are three suggestions to help you create and follow through on a meaningful career development plan.

I’ve been there. And based on my experience, here are three suggestions to help you create and follow through on a meaningful career development plan.

1. Know Where You Want to Go

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As a talent development professional, it’s essential to define your direction. Before you can map out a route, you need a destination. That sounds simple, but many professionals get stuck because they don’t know what they want—or they’ve never paused long enough to give it much thought. This is your moment to pause, grab your growth journal, and get your GPS back on track. (And if you don’t have a growth journal, this is the perfect time to start one.)

As a talent development professional, it’s essential to define your direction. Before you can map out a route, you need a destination. That sounds simple, but many professionals get stuck because they don’t know what they want—or they’ve never paused long enough to give it much thought. This is your moment to pause, grab your growth journal, and get your GPS back on track. (And if you don’t have a growth journal, this is the perfect time to start one.)

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Spend time contemplating a few questions:

Spend time contemplating a few questions:

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  What kinds of work experiences leave me energized, and which ones drain my energy?

  What kinds of work experiences leave me energized, and which ones drain my energy?

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  In what ways do I want to influence my organization?

  In what ways do I want to influence my organization?

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  Which areas of talent development naturally draw my interest?

  Which areas of talent development naturally draw my interest?

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  What kind of impact do I want to make in my career?

  What kind of impact do I want to make in my career?

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  What do I want more of in my career—and what do I want less of as I move forward?

  What do I want more of in my career—and what do I want less of as I move forward?

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Then, do some research. Talk to people in roles you’re curious about. Ask what a day in the role really looks like. Review job postings —not because you’re applying, but because they reveal the skills and competencies required for different paths .

Then, do some research. Talk to people in roles you’re curious about. Ask what a day in the role really looks like. Review job postings—not because you’re applying, but because they reveal the skills and competencies required for different paths.

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One of my career coaches taught me to create a “What Energizes Me vs. What Drains Me” list. It’s simple but powerful.

One of my career coaches taught me to create a “What Energizes Me vs. What Drains Me” list. It’s simple but powerful.

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For example, I’ve learned that I’m energized by helping others grow. Providing consistent feedback, setting clear expectations, guiding teams through challenges, and helping others develop critical thinking and problem-solving leaves me feeling fulfilled and energized.

For example, I’ve learned that I’m energized by helping others grow. Providing consistent feedback, setting clear expectations, guiding teams through challenges, and helping others develop critical thinking and problem-solving leaves me feeling fulfilled and energized.

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On the other hand, bureaucracy drains me. Endless layers of approval, unclear processes, and meetings that exist simply because “we’ve always done it this way” can sap my motivation. Structure has its place, but excessive red tape pulls me away from the work that matters most to me: supporting people, solving problems, and making a real impact.

On the other hand, bureaucracy drains me. Endless layers of approval, unclear processes, and meetings that exist simply because “we’ve always done it this way” can sap my motivation. Structure has its place, but excessive red tape pulls me away from the work that matters most to me: supporting people, solving problems, and making a real impact.

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When a role offers more opportunities to uplift others and fewer hours navigating unnecessary hurdles, I know I’m headed in the right direction.

When a role offers more opportunities to uplift others and fewer hours navigating unnecessary hurdles, I know I’m headed in the right direction.

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Your destination doesn’t have to be perfect or permanent. It just needs to be clear enough to guide your next move.

Your destination doesn’t have to be perfect or permanent. It just needs to be clear enough to guide your next move.

2. Own Your Goals

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Once you establish a direction, make sure your goals are just that—your goals—not someone else’s. It’s easy to adopt the expectations of peers, managers, or mentors without realizing it.

Once you establish a direction, make sure your goals are just that—your goals—not someone else’s. It’s easy to adopt the expectations of peers, managers, or mentors without realizing it.

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You’ll hear about conferences , certifications , books , and other suggestions from people who’ve walked a similar path. These can be incredibly helpful, so don’t dismiss them. Instead, ask yourself:

You’ll hear about conferences, certifications, books, and other suggestions from people who’ve walked a similar path. These can be incredibly helpful, so don’t dismiss them. Instead, ask yourself:

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In what ways does this align with my career goals?

In what ways does this align with my career goals?

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  What are some specific benefits this can create for me?

  What are some specific benefits this can create for me?

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  How do I feel when I think about this?

  How do I feel when I think about this?

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A quick tip when it comes to your goals: Rewrite a suggested goal in your own words.

A quick tip when it comes to your goals: Rewrite a suggested goal in your own words.

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You should be able to express it in a way that is true to you. When you own your goals, you’re invested. And when you’re invested, you follow through. Ownership fuels motivation.

You should be able to express it in a way that is true to you. When you own your goals, you’re invested. And when you’re invested, you follow through. Ownership fuels motivation.

3. Don’t Rely Solely on Your Employer

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It’s great when your employer supports your development—take full advantage if they do. Use tuition reimbursement, attend internal development opportunities, participate in mentorship programs, and use any other available development resources.

It’s great when your employer supports your development—take full advantage if they do. Use tuition reimbursement, attend internal development opportunities, participate in mentorship programs, and use any other available development resources.

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But if they don’t, don’t let that stop you.

But if they don’t, don’t let that stop you.

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Your career belongs to you! Don’t wait for someone else to be responsible for your career growth.

Your career belongs to you! Don’t wait for someone else to be responsible for your career growth.

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Here are a few ways to invest in yourself:

Here are a few ways to invest in yourself:

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  Attend workshops or webinars (there are many free options).

  Attend workshops or webinars (there are many free options).

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  Join local chapters of professional organizations. (Have you considered your local ATD Chapter? )

  Join local chapters of professional organizations. (Have you considered your local ATD Chapter?)

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  Volunteer for projects at work or within your community that allow you to build the skills you want to strengthen.

  Volunteer for projects at work or within your community that allow you to build the skills you want to strengthen.

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If cost is a concern, get creative. Submit a proposal to speak at a conference —speakers often receive free or discounted registration. Reach out to former peers for networking opportunities.

If cost is a concern, get creative. Submit a proposal to speak at a conference—speakers often receive free or discounted registration. Reach out to former peers for networking opportunities.

What Now?

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Do something different this year.

Do something different this year.

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Career development isn’t just a checkbox to mark off at the end of each performance review—it’s your personal GPS. And like any good navigator, it works best when you know your destination, establish your route, and are prepared to reroute when needed.

Career development isn’t just a checkbox to mark off at the end of each performance review—it’s your personal GPS. And like any good navigator, it works best when you know your destination, establish your route, and are prepared to reroute when needed.

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You don’t have to map out every turn. You just need direction, ownership, and the willingness to invest in yourself. With these three suggestions, you’ll always find your way—even if you lose your direction for a moment.

You don’t have to map out every turn. You just need direction, ownership, and the willingness to invest in yourself. With these three suggestions, you’ll always find your way—even if you lose your direction for a moment.