As another year begins, it’s time to reflect on where you’ve been and consider where you’re heading. Career planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or rigid, it’s about taking small, meaningful steps that gradually clear the fog and reveal your path. For paramedics, this practical approach can make career planning more accessible and less daunting, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Here’s how to break your career planning into manageable steps and start 2025 on the right foot.
✨Start with the Next Step
Planning your career doesn’t require knowing exactly where you want to end up in five years. Instead, focus on identifying the next small step that moves you in the general direction of your goals.
For example:
- If you want to expand your professional network, set a goal to meet two new people for coffee each week.
- If you’re considering a move into a leadership role, look into short courses on management or mentorship to begin building the skills you’ll need.
These small actions are achievable, build momentum, and don’t feel as heavy as long-term goals. Over time, they create meaningful progress that can shape your career trajectory.
✨Think of Career Planning as Walking Through Fog
It’s natural not to know exactly where you want to end up or what it will take to get there. As Dr. Trevor-Roberts puts it, “The more steps you take, [the more] the fog lifts and you can see where you’re going.” The key is to keep moving forward with curiosity and adaptability.
- Be Flexible: Focus on the general direction you want to go—whether it’s building leadership skills, exploring a specialization, or transitioning into non-clinical roles.
- Learn as You Go: Each step you take, such as attending a seminar or networking with a mentor, provides more clarity about what’s next and what’s possible.
✨Break Through Mental Barriers
If you’re unsure about your direction, take a moment to reflect. Dr. Trevor-Roberts suggests a powerful exercise:
- Grab a notebook and pen.
- Write a question at the top of the page, such as, What do I want from my career in 2025?
- Remove all distractions and write continuously for 10 minutes without lifting your pen.
This free-writing exercise allows deeper insights to emerge, helping you uncover what truly matters and what steps you can take to move forward.
✨Ask the Right Questions
Career coach Leah Lambart highlights the importance of asking yourself reflective questions to set meaningful goals. Consider these prompts as you plan for 2025:
- What do I want to do more of this year?
- What do I want to do less of?
- What do I want to achieve by the end of 2025?
- What would success look like for me?
- What do I need to put in place to achieve this, focusing on skills, relationships, and personal branding?
By answering these questions, you can align your actions with your values and goals, creating a clear direction for your professional growth.
✨Key Takeaways for Paramedics
- Focus on Actionable Steps: Instead of fixating on a rigid five-year plan, identify small, achievable steps that move you forward.
- Embrace Uncertainty: Career planning isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about learning and adapting as you go.
- Reflect Regularly: Use tools like journaling or free-writing to uncover insights and refine your direction over time.
🔥Get going!
Career planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on small, actionable steps and embracing the journey, paramedics can make meaningful progress toward their goals while staying adaptable to new opportunities. Take time to reflect on where you’ve been, ask yourself what you want from the year ahead, and start with the next small step. 2025 is your opportunity to move forward with intention, clarity, and confidence .... one step at a time.
