Companies recognize the need to develop internal talent. But the development plans managers create for employees don’t always align with the employees’ goals. The result is often one of unmotivated employees with managers who think their employees aren’t working hard enough. If you’re an employee whose talents aren’t being developed the way you’d like them to be, it’s time to take your personal development plan into your own hands.

1. Perform a S.W.O.T.

First, take stock of your strengths. What are you really good at and what do you want to keep doing? Then, evaluate your weaknesses. What are the things you need to improve upon so that you can advance? What do you need to get better at doing and what things should you try to eliminate? Next, take a look at your opportunities. Are there projects can you initiate that will help you develop? Perhaps there are contacts you can leverage to gain information or even an introduction to others than can help guide you. Finally, what threats stand in your way? A threat can be anything from a software that you must learn and don’t already know to not having enough time to commit to doing what is necessary for you to advance.

2.Plan and Schedule Your Success:

Put some deadlines in place. Working backwards set milestones to meet. Then actually schedule dedicated time to commit to your personal development plan and goals. It’s essential to your success, but it’s also easy to overlook. Whether you have a built-in schedule because you’re attending a class, or you’re following an independent course of study, knowing that your time is limited and respecting your calendar and deadlines will pay dividends in the long run.

3. Re-evaluate Regularly:

Your personal development plan is based on the goals and aspirations you have today. Tomorrow things may change. As you learn new information and gain more experience, your goals may shift. It makes no sense to stick to a plan that no longer suits your needs. Conducting a quarterly review to be sure your personal development plan is in line with your current aspirations not only ensures that you’re continually moving forward, but it can also save you lots of wasted time and energy.

This article was written by Michele Mavi for Atrium Staffing and was originally published on the Atrium blog.