How To Keep Your Job-Related Resolutions
As the new year marches on (how is it almost March!?), many of us continue to set goals and resolutions, and for many of us, these goals often relate to our careers. Whether you want to advance in your current role, switch to a new industry, or start your own business, it can be challenging to stay on track with these resolutions (just like all other resolutions). However, with some planning and motivation, you can achieve your career-related goals.
“A good way to set a work-related New Year's resolution is to think about where you want to be professionally a year from now,” Jessica Fox, Partner at Clear Path Executive Coaching, tells us exclusively. “What will make the future you proud? What habit or skill do you want to improve upon or start leveraging?”
Here are some tips to help you keep your career-related resolutions:
1. Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks
“Once you identify your intention, start to break your resolution down and focus on what you could do as a first, small step,” Fox says. “People often get tripped up because a resolution feels too big, so identifying that first actionable step is key to getting the ball rolling and feeling successful.”
It can be daunting to think about achieving a big career goal, such as getting a promotion or starting your own business. To make it more manageable, break your goal into smaller tasks. For example, if your goal is to get a promotion, break it down into steps such as networking with key people in your company, updating your resume/portfolio, and taking on extra responsibilities. By breaking your goal into smaller tasks, you'll be able to focus on one thing at a time, which will make it less overwhelming.
2. Set deadlines for yourself
Another way to stay motivated is to set deadlines for yourself—deadlines that you’ll actually keep. Deadlines help you stay on track and keep you accountable. For example, you could set a deadline to finish updating your resume by the end of this month or to attend two networking events by the end of the first quarter.
“Many people struggle with holding themselves accountable to resolutions,” Fox says. “Finding an accountability partner is key. This could be your manager, a work friend, or even your partner or spouse. Who will you share your work resolutions with to help hold you accountable?”
3. Create a plan of action
Once you've broken your goal into smaller tasks and set deadlines, create an action plan. This action plan should include the steps you need, the resources you need, and the deadlines you've set. This plan will remind you of your goals and help you stay on track.
4. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people
It's essential to surround yourself with people who will support and motivate you. These people can be family members, friends, colleagues, or mentors. They can provide you with guidance, advice, and encouragement when you need it.
5. Celebrate your successes
It's important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. When you achieve a task or a deadline, take a moment to celebrate (a 15-minute walk, a delicious snack, something small but meaningful to treat yourself). This will help you stay motivated and remind you how far you've come.
Achieving your career-related New Year's resolutions (like any New Year’s resolution) can be challenging, but by breaking your goals into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, creating a plan of action, surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people, and celebrating your successes, you will be able to stay on track and achieve your goals. Remember to be kind to yourself, as it is essential to appreciate small wins and to not be too hard on yourself if you don't achieve your goals in the time frame you had set. With hard work and perseverance, you'll be able to make your career dreams come true.
