The Watercooler

Setting Career Resolutions (Goals)

New Year’s resolutions come in all shapes and sizes:

There’s the good: Find a better job in my field.

The bad: Eat more saturated fat.

And the downright strange: Learn a new parlor trick and show it off at my next work party.

But regardless of a resolution’s merit, once the clock strikes midnight, it’s typically forgotten and “swept under the rug” like so much confetti.

How can you make sure that doesn’t happen when you’re setting resolutions for your career?

While we’re not experts in parlor tricks, we definitely CAN provide useful guidance on setting career-related resolutions. Whether you’re trying to earn a raise, get a promotion or transition to a new line of work, use these tips from PrideStaff to create a roadmap for career success in 2015:

Believe in your potential. Never sell yourself short or tell yourself that you’re “not smart enough” to achieve more in your career. Negative thoughts and beliefs are career-limiting factors that keep you from setting the bar high – and realizing your true potential. So instead of focusing on what you can’t do, set your sights on what’s possible.

Know what matters. Clarify what you want and value most in your work life. Consider the following questions to help you determine where you want to take your career:

  • If you were being presented with a lifetime career award, what would you want the presenter to say about you?
  • What are the top five things you value most at work?
  • What are you unwilling to do or compromise under any circumstances?
  • What would you like more of in your professional life?
  • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses – and how do those translate to the world of work?
  • What are you passionate about?

Brainstorm your options. Once you’ve clarified what’s essential, make a list of your options. Evaluate:

  • The gap between your current situation and your ideal work situation. What do you need to do to get from A to B?
  • Potential opportunities and threats. Consider the employment market where you live, your industry’s outlook and your professional network. You should create goals that take advantage of opportunities available to you, while protecting yourself from unnecessary risks.
  • How and where to get more information. Consult with trusted friends, colleagues and former classmates. Consider talking with a professional career coach. Take advantage of your university’s alumni center. Pose a question in a LinkedIn Group relevant to your career. Bottom line, use a wide variety of information sources to help evaluate your options and make informed decisions.

Declare your resolution! You’ve done your homework – now it’s time to choose your goals. Clearly define a long-term career resolution – one that aligns with your strengths, values and passions. Write it down and share it with your friends and family. Then, use this primary goal to create smaller short-term goals that will support your resolution. Make each of these smaller goals “SMART”: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. Establishing these parameters creates a “no excuses” environment to promote success all year long.

Once you’ve made your resolution, following through requires hard work – and lots of it. So if you find yourself faltering, remember how much thought and effort you put into setting your career goals.  Then use these tips from PrideStaff to stick to the career resolutions you’ve made.

What are your career resolutions for 2015?

If you want to find a better job, broaden your job skills, explore a different career or gain valuable work experience, temporary work with PrideStaff can help you achieve these career goals in 2015.  While you’re on assignment, we can actively search for direct job opportunities that match your skills, experience and interests.