Sure, I’ve read all of the articles about Milennials and our blind faith in electronics, our naïve obsession with overly indulgent life experiences, bereft of tradition and meaningful human interaction.  But above all else, what appears to be the greatest downfall of our generation (according to 'popular' belief of course) is our ingratitude, particularly as it applies to the work place.

However, as a member of this, at times, over generalized demographic, I would argue that this 'ingratitude' might more adequately be described as dissatisfaction.  Exposed to technology, innovative young thinkers, and entrepreneurship from a young age, I myself have definitely had my fair share of battles with complacency.  After twenty-three years of being filtered through a widely enforced system of benchmarks and progressions, the post grad life has brought with it a monotonous and immeasurable lump of time—time that I am neither experienced in navigating nor allotting to 'age appropriate' milestones.  Well, that, and I’m still waiting to reap the benefits of launching my own start up, writing my first novel and/or premiering the pilot episode of my one woman sitcom.

Write down your dreams and goals in this Pink Paper Notebook from Zady.com, $14

For the first time in my adult life, I had been delegated the task of defining these arbitrary standards of success on my own.  In middle school, I strove for good grades knowing they would impact my acceptance into high school.  In high school I worked diligently to ensure a seat at a 4-year college.  And as an undergrad, I pulled all-nighters and nearly bribed my way into study groups in hopes of securing employment upon graduation.  But in the thick of post grad employment, with no clear benchmarks, time frames, or preset standards of 'success,' I began to feel myself slipping into a detrimental cycle of stagnation. 

Moving from job to job, city to city, I found myself continually in need of some sign that I was on my way to falling within the so-called parameters of Millennial success.  It was always the same, I’d accept a new position, my senses heightened by new experiences and opportunities.  After several months, I’d begin to notice a slump.  I’d become slowly disinterested with my new career and far more susceptible to the allure of exciting opportunities elsewhere.  Three cycles later, I finally came to terms with the fact that I had very well entered The Post Grad Time Warp.  I had little to no sense of time, resorted to short sighted comparisons between my progress and that of my peers, and deflected criticism through what can only be described as professional apathy. I had become more concerned with exploring unchartered territory than seeking long term expertise—a route that was neither fulfilling nor sustainable.

Well, I guess it’s true what they say: the first step is admitting you have a problem.  A year later, I consider myself to have made a full recovery.  I haven’t found my dream job, and I most certainly am not anywhere close to settling down professionally but what I have gained, is a much stronger sense of self awareness and some much needed self assuredness when it comes to the job market.

My secret?

An actionable plan.

As  old fashioned as it may seem, I’m a stickler when it comes to planning. So whether you’re a 5 year planner or dream board kind of woman, here are some simple steps for taking back the reigns when it comes to your professional growth.

1) Set your own parameters for success.

Start small by setting a goal for each year (up to 5).  For the best results, try to map out goals that build on one another.  If you’re looking for inspiration, try searching online for job openings in a sector you may be interested in.  What kind of applicants are they looking for?  What skills do you need to develop?  How much professional experience is required for this position?  Once you have this information, begin mapping out your future progress one step at a time. Not only will the mysterious span of time between you and your dream job become noticeably more manageable, but you’ll also begin to feel empowered by taking an active role in achieving professional success. 

2) Hold yourself accountable.  

Benchmarks are only successful if you feel compelled to complete them.  So in short, what inspires you?  If you’re more of a social person, telling a friend or posting your goals in a common are your best bets.  Your friends and family can support you throughout the process and may even jump at the opportunity to assist you along the way.

Not quite ready to go social with your goals?  Post them as the background of your computer screen, or write them in an open space you’ll interact with on a daily basis.  By seeing your goals regularly, they will continue to remain relevant and you’ll be more compelled to stick with the program.

3) Track your progress.  

Let it be known there is a difference between harnessing your dissatisfaction and going through the motions.  Even if you’re meeting your goals, it is important to consistently ensure that you are on the professional path of your choosing.  Isn’t that the point?  Once a month, I take about 30 minutes of my time to reflect on where I am and where I’m going.  Whether it’s a journal entry or a long walk, providing myself the space to reaffirm or alter my goals as needed is crucial to the process.

4) Reward yourself for accomplishing your goals.

Building in rewards for reaching your milestones is quite possibly the best part of this whole planning deal.  Similar to your goals, it’s important to work your way up as you go.  At the beginning of my goal setting process I like to set rewards as frequently as once a month.  Whether it’s splurging on a new nail polish or going out for an impromptu facial on my way home from work, it once again affirms my progress and allows for some much needed celebration along the way.  If your friends and family have played a part in reaching your goals, think about bringing them along as well!  You’ll have a built in taste tester for your newest Pinkberry concoction and a fun way to thank them for their time and support.

I know, easier said than done, but at a certain point, you have a decision to make.  A decision that encompasses all of the late nights in the library, that heinous study group you joined in an attempt to be on the right side of the class curve, accepting that unfortunate role as an extra curricular leader to authenticate the management experience description on your resume, and that summer you spent eating carrots and canned beans for an entire month after an epic failed attempt at first time budgeting  (true story).  And in hopes of not entirely plagiarizing a Lizzie McGuire TV special tagline, this is it!  This is what you’ve ultimately worked for.  The post grad experience can be one hell of a you know what, and yet (in my twenty something years of life experience) I am far more grateful for the 'oh wells' I have had the pleasure of undertaking than the 'what ifs' I have begrudgingly worked to eliminate from my mindset. So while you may not be the next Veronica Roth or Mark Zuckerberg of today, take a chance. Make a plan.  You just might get there tomorrow.

Amina is a Chicago-based blogger/writer who works as an advertising strategist in her free time. She graduated from Amherst College in May of 2013 with a degree in American Studies and is still very much in the process of decoding the post grad life on a daily basis. If you like what you’ve read on bSmart Guide, feel free to check out more of her work on her personal blog Yours Exceptionally or for post grad advice on the go, follow her on Twitter @Amina_Taylor.