Did your New Year resolutions include any professional goals?
No?
Well it is never too late to spend time assessing where you are professionally and where you would like to be this time in 2027. So make an appointment with yourself, put it on your calendar and read on for some inspiration.
A quote that I have used with patients and mentees over the years is by the author Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” As an OT, you set goals with your patients every day and know how important the goal-setting process is to success, so use the same approach for yourself.
Let’s play with this scenario: You have been providing school -based OT for a number of years and you need a change. You worked with geriatric populations in fieldwork and believe that is would be a good fit for you.
Evaluate the Goal: Be honest with yourself about what you hope to achieve if you reach your goal. First, take some time to examine that goal. What do you think it will provide to you? Talk to OTs that practice in that setting. Ask if you can shadow someone for the day. Consider including the opinion of family, friends and co-workers as they will have a different perspective than you do. What does the job market look like? What settings are available?
Identify the Long and Short Term Steps: Changing populations and settings is a big undertaking. Lay out all the considerations that you need to factor in to move from Point A to Point B. Break the goal into short and long-term sub-goals. For each sub-goal, do what you would so with your patients: apply the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). Of course, your path may not be a straight line! For example, maybe your first move could be securing a position treating kids in a hospital-based setting. That employer would then have internal opportunities in geriatrics.
New Training and Certifications: Identify both the continuing education and new skills that will support your move to a new population. Are there courses and certifications that you need to add to your resume? Check out AOTA for content around different patient groups as well as available CEUs. Evaluate your skill set and make sure you address any new skills you will need for a new population. Is billing different? How will you have to change your documentation strategies? Will you have to use different therapeutic approaches with an older population? Will the caregivers you interact with have different expectations of OT?
Remember Self Care and Balance: Change, especially one as complicated as changing populations, takes a great deal of time and energy. Be sure to pace the change so that you can also take care of yourself. Your one-year plan may need to be a two-year plan! You will still reach your goal but you will be healthier when you do.
Setting professional goals at the beginning of the year will set you up for success and greater satisfaction with your career. So schedule time today to brainstorm and plan where you will be in 2027.
