Direction: Growth – How to Plan Your Career?

Each of us has, at least once, pondered which career path to follow –changing jobs, developing new skills, or striving for a better work-life balance. Taking the time for active reflection on your career is not just an investment in the future; it is also a way to reduce stress, increase your sense of control, give purpose to your actions, and discover new opportunities.

However, as practice shows, knowing and communicating your career goals is difficult, even for the most ambitious and motivated individuals. A 2022 Gartner study revealed that less than one in three employees knows how to plan their careers for the next five years. Why is this the case? What makes taking care of personal growth and defining one’s career path so challenging? How can we overcome internal barriers, better understand our needs, and set a direction that truly matters?

Małgosia Kwiatkowska discusses the key aspects of career planning with Kamil Czajkowski, psychologist, business trainer, and coach.

Małgosia Kwiatkowska: Kamil, how can we start the year with a positive attitude towards our careers?

Kamil Czajkowski: I’m not sure why, but your question immediately brought to mind the scene from Monty Python’s Life of Brian, where the characters, hanging on crosses, sing Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. Beneath the irony of that scene lies profound wisdom: looking to the future with optimism is a choice within everyone’s reach. Martin Seligman, in his book, Learned Optimism, proved that focusing on shortcomings leads nowhere, while a positive mindset helps us better handle challenges and take greater satisfaction from success.

Optimists and pessimists face similar challenges in life, but optimists cope with them more effectively. The New Year is an excellent opportunity to consciously "put on the cap of happiness" – to change how we think, stop comparing ourselves to others, and focus on our potential. We can’t predict the future, but looking at it through a positive lens enables us to live it more fully and with greater peace of mind.

MK: Is the beginning of the year a good time to reflect on one’s career path?

KCz: Any time is a good time to pause for a moment and look inward. Reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and needs is a fundamental skill that drives growth. In Kazimierz Obuchowski’s concept of the Intentional Human Being, the idea is that "being human is not a given, but something you become." This means development requires constantly surpassing yourself and actively shaping your path. Standing still is, in reality, moving backward.

The start of the year symbolically encourages new beginnings and fosters reflection and planning. However, it’s important to approach this wisely. New Year’s resolutions often create pressure to change everything at once. Such revolutions are not only unrealistic but can also be discouraging when reality doesn’t meet our expectations. Instead, I suggest evolution – small, concrete steps that steadily lead us toward change. It’s essential to allow yourself the space and time for the process of becoming. Embracing imperfection and accepting that development is a journey, not a destination, can help create a healthier and more satisfying relationship with change – regardless of the time of year.

MK: Do you also think that any career planning should begin with a reflection on where we currently stand in our professional lives?

KCz: If thinking about career planning is keeping you up at night, it’s worth starting with an honest and thorough analysis of where you are right now. The future doesn’t begin in some abstract point – it starts here and now. However, this review must focus on ourselves, rather than comparing ourselves to others. We should ask: "Do I feel I’m realising my potential?", "Is what I’m doing aligned with my values and aspirations?", "Am I taking care of my well-being?" Comparing ourselves to others is a trap – it leads to frustration, jealousy, and the feeling that we’re never good enough.

Each of us has a unique story, set of experiences, skills, and dreams. Comparing ourselves to someone else’s achievements or career path is like expecting an apple to become an orange – yet both fruits are exceptional in their way. So it’s worth asking yourself one more important question: "Is the path I’m following truly mine? Or am I fulfilling someone else’s expectations – those of family, society, or an employer?" This reflection is the first step to ensuring that what we do is meaningful and aligned with who we are.

MK: But how can we plan our career and set professional goals effectively, ensuring we don’t give up on ambition while also taking rational limitations into account? Is there a way to combine these two approaches?

KCz: I’m not a fan of coaching slogans like “Shoot for the stars!” or “Dream big!” While the psychology of success can be inspiring, it often overlooks the importance of humility. I prefer the wisdom expressed in the maxim of Alcoholics Anonymous: “Change what you can, accept what you can’t, and wisely discern the difference.” Goal-setting should be grounded in this balance. Ambition is important, but so is an awareness of one’s limitations and the readiness to accept them. Life is full of stories of people who aim too high and experience disappointment. True strength lies in the ability to rebuild after setbacks. The best goals are ambitious yet achievable. For example, instead of aiming for an immediate promotion, focus on developing key competencies that will make that promotion possible. This approach allows us to strike a balance between our dreams and reality.

MK: Should we focus on big, long-term goals or smaller, more detailed short-term steps?

KCz: Again, I’d highlight the importance of balance. Neurobiology shows that our dopaminergic system, responsible for motivation, works best when regularly stimulated by small successes. You can compare this to training a dog – if you reward it for every well-executed command, it learns faster. We humans also need those “treats” in the form of small, achievable goals. Small steps help solidify good habits and build our confidence. For example, instead of planning to “learn a new language in a year,” start with learning a few new words every day. Regularity and consistency make long-term goals more attainable.

However, we can’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Those small steps must align with our broader vision – whether that’s achieving a promotion, changing careers, or developing new skills. At the same time, this vision needs to remain flexible. In today’s fast-changing world, agility and adaptability are essential. Sometimes, plans must be reassessed and adjusted to fit new circumstances. Evolution teaches us that adaptability – not rigid adherence to plans – is the key to success. That’s why the best approach combines clear, specific steps with a readiness to embrace change and seize new opportunities.

MK: Flexibility and openness to change allow us to turn failures into lessons and difficulties into opportunities. And let’s not forget, a career path doesn’t always have to be straightforward.

KCz: I’d ask, is a career path ever truly straightforward? Change is the only constant in life. Heraclitus knew this, and modern times have only accelerated the flow of that river. We live in a fragile and unpredictable world where old cause-and-effect models no longer apply. Actions that once guaranteed success can now yield completely different results depending on the context. In such an environment, simplistic advice like “five steps to success” doesn’t hold up. A career isn’t a straight line – it’s more like a path through a dense forest, full of twists and unexpected challenges. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changes are critical skills today. But flexibility isn’t just about reacting – it’s also about actively seeking out new opportunities where others might only see obstacles.

MK: In your opinion, is a lack of flexibility the biggest barrier to achieving our professional goals?

KCz: From my experience as a coach, the biggest obstacle is often... ourselves. Of course, I frequently hear about difficult bosses, toxic organizations, or envious colleagues, but ultimately, we are the ones steering our careers. While we can’t control everything, we have significant influence over how we respond to circumstances. The greatest challenge often lies in our internal dialogue. We tend to be our own harshest critics. Unfair self-criticism, a lack of empathy for our own mistakes, and constant comparisons to others – can effectively block our progress. During coaching sessions, I often ask clients: “What advice would you give a friend in a similar situation?” Their responses are usually full of care and reason. Then I ask: “Why don’t you say that to yourself?” This question often leaves them silent. It’s worth reflecting on this: “Why are we harsher on ourselves than we are on others?” Recognizing that we are our biggest barrier is the first step towards change. Only when we start treating ourselves with greater compassion can we fully tap into our potential and face challenges head-on.

MK: What can we do when we lack the motivation to make changes in our professional lives?

KCz: I’m a big fan of Daniel Pink’s concept of Motivation 3.0. He describes three levels of motivation: biological, behavioral, and intrinsic. The first level revolves around our basic instincts—safety, and survival. These are powerful but don’t fully define us as human beings. History is full of examples of workers going on hunger strikes to fight for their rights. It’s the ability to transcend these instincts that gives our actions a human dimension. The second level is the classic carrot and stick – rewards and punishments. External motivation works, but it has its limits. There will always be someone offering a bigger carrot or wielding a scarier stick. Living solely on this level makes us like puppets on strings.

True power lies in intrinsic motivation – Motivation 3.0. It’s what drives us at the level of values, meaning, and authentic engagement. In coaching, I often use an exercise inspired by Viktor Frankl’s existential analysis. Clients list what’s important to them in life and then reflect on how much time they spend pursuing these values. The result? People often burn out by focusing on things that don’t bring them happiness, neglecting what truly matters. This leads to burnout. To combat it, we need to return to the roots – to what gives our lives and work meaning.

MK: And how can we maintain motivation when progress feels slow?

KCz: The human brain thrives on rewards. When we notice progress, we get a dopamine boost, which motivates us to keep going. The problem arises when progress feels too slow – it's easy to fall into the trap of frustration and giving up. The key is to focus on the process, not just the result. Referring to Heraclitus’ metaphor of the river – sometimes, you need to be patient and let the current do its work. Slow progress doesn’t mean stagnation; it’s more like building a house brick by brick. Every brick matters. Set small, achievable goals to motivate yourself daily and celebrate them. Instead of worrying about the roof not being visible yet, appreciate the solidity of the foundation.

Life rarely follows straight lines. Career plans are like maps - useful, but they often need updating as reality unfolds. As Seneca said, “There is no favorable wind for someone who doesn’t know where they’re going.” Sometimes, an unfavorable wind leads us to places we don’t know we want to reach. The most important thing is not to cling rigidly to one scenario. Instead of asking, “Why didn’t it work out?” ask, “What can I learn from this?” Don’t be afraid to revise your goals – it’s not a sign of giving up but of adapting.

MK: So, it’s also important to ask whether we’re developing ourselves just for the sake of it or to discover what truly drives and energizes us.

KCz: Developing for the sake of it is like driving a car with no destination – you can go fast, but where to? The goals you set must be rooted in your values and what genuinely matters to you. It’s your values that give meaning to every step. Development without deeper meaning feels hollow, but growth fuelled by what you love and believe in becomes a source of true satisfaction.

Remember, passion is a tremendous asset, but it’s not enough on its own. Passion without a plan is like a fire – it provides warmth for a while but quickly burns out if there’s no fuel. It’s much easier to build a career when you find a way to combine passion with real opportunities and your skills. Passion gives energy, but strategy provides direction. The key question is: “How can I combine what I love with what brings value to others and allows me to earn a living?” When you find the answer, your development gains cohesion and purpose.

MK: But I feel we still need to learn how to manage the fear of change – whether it’s changing jobs or industries.

KCz: As I mentioned earlier, change has been humanity’s oldest companion – from the moment the first Homo sapiens descended from the trees, we’ve had to face the unknown. “You can’t step into the same river twice” – the river of life flows, changing everything in its path. Fear of change is a defensive mechanism – the mind prefers the familiar, even if it’s not perfect. To deal with it, we need to learn to trust ourselves and our potential. Imagine the worst-case scenario – then think about what you could do if it came true. Often, you’ll realize you have more resources than you think. Remind yourself of the changes you’ve already faced in life – if you survived those, you’ll survive this one too. Change isn’t an enemy; it’s a catalyst for growth. If we’re willing to trust our ability to adapt, we’ll often find that what we feared was merely a threshold to something better.

MK: What specific techniques or tools can help with career development?

KCz: My top three are: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis – it helps you understand how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors, teaching you how to tackle irrational beliefs that hold you back. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Marshall Rosenberg – it’s crucial for building constructive relationships, teaching you to express your needs clearly and listen to others. Assertiveness training within Eric Berne’s transactional analysis framework – it helps build self-confidence and set boundaries in both professional and personal relationships. These three tools, though different, share a common goal: they help you better understand yourself and others. In my work, they are the most sought-after and deliver tangible benefits in both professional and personal life.

MK: I wonder, when is it worth considering mentoring or development programs?

KCz: Mentoring is one of the oldest forms of knowledge transfer and yet one of the most underrated. It’s worth utilizing whenever you feel at a crossroads, encounters a barrier in your development, or want to accelerate your professional growth. Mentoring offers something invaluable: the perspective of someone who has already walked the path you are just beginning. It’s like a lighthouse on a stormy sea – it won’t lead you by the hand but will point the way. How to find a mentor? Look for people who inspire you. Sometimes it’s a manager, a colleague, or even someone entirely outside your professional circle. Don’t be afraid to ask – most successful people are happy to share their knowledge. As for development programs? Choose those that offer more than theoretical lectures. Real development is about practice, interaction, and reflection.

MK: So, focusing on skills like communication, collaboration, or learning from experiences. How much should we invest in developing soft skills compared to hard skills?

KCz: I once trained a team of IT engineers on soft skills. I admired their willingness to grow in this area, even though their work primarily relied on technical expertise. They told me, “Today, we have no choice.” And they were right – the modern world demands not only technical proficiency but also the ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and collaborate.

Hard and soft skills are like two sides of the same coin – one doesn’t work without the other. Hard skills get you into the game, but it’s the soft skills that determine whether you can play well with others and achieve shared goals. In an era where most projects are executed collaboratively, the ability to connect, listen, and adapt to others is essential. A contemporary professional needs to be both an expert in their field and someone who can collaborate effectively in a diverse environment.

MK: Since relationships are such a crucial element of career success, how can we build them? Is networking a good strategy?

KCz: In the book Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi beautifully captures the essence of networking, and it has shaped my approach ever since. I always try not to eat breakfast alone in a hotel or drink coffee alone at a conference. It’s a simple rule but incredibly effective – every such moment is an opportunity to establish a connection. Relationships are the essence of business. You might have a great product or a brilliant plan, but without quality connections, you’ll remain isolated. However, it’s essential to remember that quality matters more than quantity. You could have hundreds of contacts in your phone or thousands of connections on social media, but what use are they if you can’t rely on them when you need to? It’s worth nurturing a smaller circle of authentic relationships that you can truly depend on. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards – it’s about building bridges that connect people and open doors to new opportunities.

MK: Let’s look for allies, and build bridges, but let’s not forget to communicate with ourselves and acknowledge our needs. And above all, let’s start acting here and now if we feel the need for change.

KCz: You know, Małgosia, I’m an amateur guitarist. Once, while playing a gig with friends on a cramped amateur stage, the vocalist swung his arms and accidentally knocked my guitar, putting it out of tune. I had two choices: stop playing to retune or keep going on the untuned instrument. I chose the latter. When I later asked him to be more careful, he gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me for life – and now I’ll share it with you: “Mate, it’s no challenge to play a perfectly tuned guitar.”

Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect moment.” Life will never be ideal – there will always be something to improve or a challenge holding us back. But every big step starts with a small one, which you can choose to take today. Sometimes, a transformative year doesn’t begin with dramatic changes but with consistent daily actions. Let’s stop getting frustrated that the company isn’t ideal, the boss isn’t great, or the partner isn’t perfect – let’s play on the untuned guitar and enjoy the melody we’re creating.

MK: And that’s what we sincerely wish for everyone, not just at the start of the year! Kamil, thank you for this inspiring conversation. To those of you covered by the Employee Assistance Program, I’d like to remind you that EAP is not only there to support you during challenging times but also as a fantastic opportunity to work on and consciously shape your career. Our services include career advice and coaching, which can help you set professional goals, plan your development, and overcome obstacles. We warmly encourage you to reach out to our specialists – we’re available via phone, chat, or email.