Do you celebrate the milestones you’ve worked so hard to reach? Milestones mark the most important events that must occur along the path to achieving your goals. Are you seeking a new job, making a career change or starting an entrepreneurial venture? Milestones do three critical things for you - keep you on the proper road heading in the right direction, confirm your progress as you move along and motivate you to keep going.

Originally milestones referred to free-standing stone mile markers used widely by Roman Empire road builders to mark a day’s journey. Milestones are reference points—to reassure travelers that they are on the intended road, to show how far they’ve traveled and the distance remaining to their destination.

There’s something wonderfully intriguing and useful about literally picturing these ancient stones as you create milestones in your own personal and professional journeys.

What about your milestones?

1.  Have you created milestones that help keep you on schedule to accomplish your work search goals? For example, if you need new expertise or certification, have you scheduled classes, webinars, seminars or other training that will move you forward?

2.  Have you recently reached a milestone that calls for celebration? For example, if you’re experiencing angst over your personal marketing materials—resume, CV, portfolio, pitch letter, online profiles—do you now have these materials in place?

A milestone can be a deliverable.

For the past year, a colleague has had considerable pain around creating a website for her consulting business. She has labored over crafting the best marketing message and just the right branding. After more iterations than she cares to remember, the site did launch, looks great and works well. A launch date milestone celebration!

A milestone can be a breakthrough - a feeling of new confidence and mastery.

For several months now, a friend has struggled on a new job that has required he learn tons of new technical information. He’s been very disappointed in his performance—but has kept on, learning more each day. At last there was a turning. Just this weekend he proudly exclaimed, “I finally feel more confident. I’m doing my job so much better. I don’t dread Monday anymore.” A milestone celebrated!

Tip: Milestones support road-weary travelers. Give yourself kudos for reaching your milestones and for the distances you crossed to get there.

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there. -Lewis Carroll, English author (1832 - 1898)

You history buffs and travelers may enjoy Great Britain’s historic milestones, The Milestone Society. Enjoy their photo gallery!

Today’s question
Do you have important milestones that help you move toward achieving your goals?