Advice for Reaching Goals in New Year

Jenny writes:

I’m trying to set some goals for myself in the new year — in terms of my career.

What advice can you give me to reach my goals in 2010?

The Career Doctor responds:

Well, unfortunately, I don’t know what your career goals are, so my advice will have to be a bit general — but ideally useful for everyone reading the blog.

I think there are six things you should examine, contemplate, and act on to help you achieve your career goals.

First, review your accomplishments from last year. Make a list of them on a piece of paper. Are you satisfied with what you accomplished? If not, make some plans for accomplishing more this year.

Second, make some career goals for the year. Where do you want to be at the end of the year? Do you want a new career? A promotion or raise? Work-life balance? Career change?

Third, take action. All the planning in the world is not going to help you achieve your goals. You need to make action steps — and then take them! Sometimes a big change does not seem so unmanageable when you break it down into smaller steps.

Fourth, make time for professional development this year. Join a professional organization, attend a conference/workshop/seminar, get more training, read trade journals/books. Rejuvenate your skills and interests in your career.

Fifth, build your network of contacts. Networking is not just for when you are looking for a new job. Find innovative ways to add people to your list of contacts. Build those relationships.

Sixth, work on those job-search materials — your cover letter and resume — even if you are not contemplating a job change. You should always be prepared for opportunities.

These six things are a lot to work on — but all of us need to find the time to work on our career and professional development. Not only will we be better prepared for new opportunities, the process will also keep us focused on where we see ourselves going next.

And if you are looking for a concentrated approach to your job search, read my latest article: One-Week Job-Search: How to Lay the Foundation for a New Job in Just Seven Days.