How to create a 5-Year plan (plus a template and example)
A five-year plan is a good idea if you’re looking at your career and where you want it to go. You can create a list of goals that you want to reach in the next five years and identify the actions you must take to achieve those goals. A list of steps to help you create a five-year plan can make it easier.
This article will discuss the benefits of creating a five-year planning document, how to create one, and provide a template and an example to assist you in creating one.
What is a 5-year plan?
A five-year strategy is a set of goals you wish to accomplish in five years. This plan often contains specific goals with time frames and measures. This plan gives you concrete goals and allows you to set smaller goals that will help you achieve larger goals in your five-year plan.
Benefits of a 5-year plan
A five-year plan will significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals and living your desired life. A five-year plan will help you clarify your goals, make sure they are specific and measurable, and ensure they are right.
How to make a 5-year plan
These are the steps you need to follow to create your five-year plan.
Think about what you want in your life
Begin by evaluating your future goals for the next five years. Think about what you want to be happy about in the future. This will give you a sense of accomplishment.
You can brainstorm your career goals by writing down everything you have in mind for the next five years. As you will be able to narrow down your ideas in the next step, think of as many as possible.
You can also brainstorm the things you love and want in your life. It should not be difficult as these dreams can often dominate your subconscious and perhaps even your conscious thoughts.
Register your skills and experiences
Next, consider what you know and have done. Remember that what you know and have done is not the same as what you are currently doing. It is possible that you are in transition or changing careers. You might be in transition, or you may not be doing what you want. You may have the skills, knowledge and experience to help you move in that direction. If not, your five-year plan will help you determine the steps you must take to reach your ultimate goal.
Identify your transferable skills.
This is especially important if your goal is to transition careers. Take a look at what you have learned and your skills. Consider which skills are transferable to the job you want. Talk to a trusted friend, family member or colleague to learn more about which skills are transferable.
Find out more about your goal.
Next, learn more about your goal. You can research the job you want and the education and skills requirements. You might also consider career-related social media platforms, which allow you to browse profiles of people who have held similar positions to yours in five years. Take note of the career paths and patterns in these profiles.
It might be worth reaching out to these people personally to ask if they are available to send you an email or meet up for coffee to discuss your career. Many people will be willing to share their experiences and explain how they got where they are. You may also be able to get advice from them about the best path for you, even if yours is different. Talking to them directly gives you the unique opportunity to find out what they would change to get to where they are now.
Set your goals higher
Next, you will need to research your career path and determine the goals you want to achieve. Then refine your goals using what you have learned. You can use the SMART goal setting method to ensure your goals are precise, measurable and achievable.
