Whether you’re thinking of revamping your career, contemplating a complete career change, or still happily clocking in to your 9-5, it’s a good idea to have a career plan. Without one, you can lose time, money and most importantly, focus. Here are some ways to create a career plan to ensure you—and your career—are always on track.

Slow down. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but in order to truly figure out what the next year (or five) holds, you need to give yourself some uninterrupted time to think. So schedule some time, either at the end of the day, or even during your daily commute, to contemplate your next career move. 

Assess your situation. You’ll need to ask yourself some tough questions in order to figure out your subsequent steps. If you’re unhappy in your current work situation, ask yourself why. Maybe you have a micromanaging boss, or a killer commute. Or maybe you’ve just always wanted to become a dentist. Decide if it’s the job that you don’t like or the industry itself. If it’s the job, maybe you just need to find a new one or find one that offers a flexible schedule. Determine what kind of work would make you wake up happy every morning—then pursue it.

Do some research. Once you’ve decided on an industry that suits your interests, it’s time to dig in and start researching. If you’re starting over in a new career, you might have to choose an entry-level position. Rest assured, though, your passion will promote you to better jobs—and a higher salary—in no time. And if you’re already in the field you love, begin looking for ways to move up within your industry. Not only will it keep you mentally stimulated but you’ll also increase your knowledge and expertise.

Create your plan. While you might be tempted to draw up an enormous 10-year plan with many bulleted points, it’s best to start off small. In fact, you can add many smaller, more manageable plans within your larger one. Be very specific when drafting your career plan with clearly defined ways of achieving your dreams as well as deadlines for accomplishing them. Factoring in personal information—such as your and your partners’ ages (as well as your children’s), and where you might be living—can help when making your calculations.

Check in with yourself. Your career plan will now serve as your roadmap as you venture into the next phase of your career and life. But don’t feel that you need to stick strictly to the plan. Along your way, you might find another road that leads you to something greater. And as you achieve each goal in your plan, be sure to celebrate each success and congratulate yourself for a job—and career—well done.

Jennifer Parris writes about career topics for FlexJobs.com. Working Mother Media and FlexJobs have partnered to help workingmother.com readers find flexible work solutions – such as telecommuting, freelance, part-time and flexible schedule jobs –  for themselves. Learn more here.