New years often start with great intentions and long lists of resolutions. But now that the dust has settled, what can you do to make sure that you actually achieve those lofty career goals? Here are some steps to follow to make sure that 2022 is the year that your career goes from strength to strength.
However small or large they are, get a notebook and write your goals down. There are two reasons for this – firstly, the act of putting them to paper immediately makes them tangible and more real. Secondly, you can use this to look back on at the end of the year and measure your success. Knowing that you will look back in 12 months’ time and assess your accomplishments provides focus. Set a reminder in your calendar to look at your goals monthly and see your progress.
While you can – and should – write as many goals as you like in your notebook, pick one or two that you really want to focus on. These are the ones that you really want to achieve, whereas the others are bonuses. By only zooming in on one or two, you can avoid the burnout that comes from trying to attain too many things at once. You’re more likely to achieve this way – it works the same as setting yourself 30 new year’s resolutions as opposed to just one.
When you imagine that you have already achieved your goals, you become laser focused on why you want to achieve them. How will you feel? How will others react? What will you be able to do differently? What will you have influence over? This will provide the motivation and drive you need to push forward.
For your key focus goals, spend some time considering the steps that you need to take to get there. Who do you need to talk to? Is there an application to complete? Training? Mentoring? Break your goals down into these manageable steps and you are much more likely to take the first step. You’ll also be able to measure your successes more easily – even if you don’t achieve your goal by the end of the year, look at how much closer you are!
Each one of us has bad habits that are stopping us from achieving our goals – or slowing us down. Recognising and taking steps to dispel those bad habits can put you on the fast track to success. Everyone is different, so these habits will be different for all of us. If you can’t pinpoint what you could change, have a frank and open conversation with a colleague, friend or family member. What do they think you could change? Make sure you go into this with a willingness to listen and act on what they say.
If one of your goals is to apply for a new role or climb up the ladder, take the first step today by browsing our current roles or contacting us today. We will be able to talk you through the options available to you and send you on the path towards achieving those goals!
