Whether you are recently back from parental leave, years beyond it, or caring for any dependents, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of day-to-day demands and responsibilities. This leaves little space to pause and think about where you are in your professional journey, and how your current path aligns with your long-term career goals – your definition of career success. In this article, we’ll explore a strategy to get you back on track and focus on what counts, when inevitably life and distractions get in the way.
From my experience as a coach, I can really see how ‘managing our energy’ is key to career success. A big part of this is about having real clarity over where you focus your attention and add value; to the role – to your career – to yourself and what is important to you. It’s about making conscious choices, being able to effectively prioritise, and create demonstrable impact in the right places.
Once you’ve outlined your definition of career success, it's useful to consider now how you will focus on the milestones you need to achieve to move towards this. To do so, there’s a brilliant exercise you may find useful called Covey’s Rocks, a concept developed by renowned leadership expert, Stephen Covey.
Imagine you have a bucket, which you are trying to fill with Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand.
“If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”
This model encourages us to be more ruthless about our priorities. This not only means we’re using our energy on things that will create impact but also helps develop our brand and reputation in these areas of focus.
Start by reflecting on what matters most in your career. Ask yourself:
Write these down as your “big rocks"- limit yourself to no more than 5.
If you have chosen your rocks well, they will ensure that you are successful, fulfilled, and happy. Don’t let the gravel distract you or sand suck you in – before you know it, these fill up your jar, sap your energy, and steal space from the things that are important to you.
Plan around the big rocks
Once your big rocks are in place, let the smaller tasks fill in the gaps
When inevitably you lose focus on your rocks, and the day-to-day begins to creep back in, allow yourself the time and space to periodically reflect on your progress. Assess what’s working well, or not, and ensure the actions you're taking still align with your goals. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan as necessary to stay on track.
Ask yourself what you need to ensure this remains a priority on your agenda. Make it a central focus and incorporate it into your personal objectives. Everyone has their own way of staying focused, so think about what works best for you. For example, we know we’re much more likely to achieve something if we share our goals with others – consider who might support you in this process, particularly when you face challenges.
Balancing the demands of caregiving and a career can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can align where you're focusing your attention - with your long-term goals. It’s crucial to identify your "big rocks," monitor progress and build a supportive network to create a clear path forward.
Here are other resources you may find useful: