Depending on where you are in your career cycle - just starting out, defining, or redefining – getting started on your career path can be an overwhelming task.

One of the keys to defining your career is to first define yourself. Know who you are and just as importantly, who you aren’t.

Begin by asking yourself:

1. What am I good at?
2. What do I want to do?
3. Where do I see myself short term and long term?
4. What do I want to achieve?
5. What are my limitations?
6. Why do I want to do this type of work?
7. What type of environment to I want to work in?

Then conduct a tried-and-true S.W.O.T. analysis of yourself the old-fashioned way – with pen and paper (or digital app)- so you can see how your responses line up to one another.

Strengths. What do you do well? What qualifies you for the job?

Weaknesses. What don’t you do well? What are your limitations?

Opportunities. Identify the areas where there is a need for what you offer. Who’s hiring?

Threats. Know the competition. What barriers might prevent you from getting the job or promotion? Are the threats real or perceived?

Once you’ve completed the assessment, ask yourself ‘how do others perceive me?’ It may sound cliché, but the best way to know how you are perceived is to ask someone. To get a more honest assessment, ask people outside of your immediate circle. Close friends and family may not give you to most accurate analysis for fear of hurting your feelings or causing a riff in the relationship. Compare their feedback with the results of your assessment to get a better understanding of where you are.

By answering (and asking) these questions and doing a self-assessment, you will be able to better define a career that works for you. 

Many times when we find that our careers have stalled or are not as exciting as we envisioned, the culprit has something to do with 1) “The Fit Factor” and 2) “Interest vs. Passion” or a combination both.

For example, careers that require selling often require someone with a personality that is outgoing, tolerant of hearing “no”, and assertive.  While you may be able to rise to the occasion for the sake of the job, this position may be better suited for someone who naturally has these characteristics.  For them, completing sales assignments will be an easier task because they are relying on their natural set of soft skills.  Find a way to utilize your natural abilities. Fit matters.

Interests and passions are not mutually exclusive. Knowing the difference will be to your professional advantage. Often times we have many interests. We like lots of things and would like to try our hand at doing all of them. When we lack passion for it, particularly when time and money has been invested into it, we often become restless with the job and in some cases resentful of what we once saw as an opportunity. Be clear on what you are interested in and what you are passionate about. Finding your passion brings a great amount of satisfaction. It’s the thing you could do everyday and not have it feel like work (although it is). When you are passionate about something, you commit to it; it becomes a part of your lifestyle. 

Managing a career, and everything else in your life, is no easy feat. Put yourself in the best possible position to succeed.  Conduct a self-assessment and be honest with yourself about your abilities, capabilities, and passions.

Next Up: Networking With a Purpose 

The NFLPE Women's Community "Defining Your Career" series offers useful and practical advice for boosting your career at any stage. Check back every two weeks for new articles and share your perspective in the comments.