The new year is a perfect time to reflect what you have achieved so far in your career and set or modify your goals. By taking stock and setting targets, you increase your motivation and are able to focus on an end result.
“The new year is a very good time to take stock and re-evaluate your career goals and think about whether your career is heading in the right direction,” notes Andrew Croft of Talent2.
To get yourself started, write down the answers to the following questions, as suggested by Hazel Jackson, CEO of biz-group: What were the biggest achievements for you in 2012? If you could re-do 2012, what would you do differently? What are the biggest things you want to make happen in 2013?
To answer the last question, make a list of your “balanced goals.” “In addition to work and financial goals, also take into consideration what skills you would like to learn in 2013, your physical fitness and wellbeing, where you would like to travel to, how you can give back to or support your community, among other things,” says Jackson.
Marjola Rintjema of Towers Watson says it would also put you in the right direction if you ask your coach or mentor, colleague or friend to help you work out your career goals. Once you have decided on what you want to achieve this year, take them up with your manager.
“You’ve had the holidays to think about what you want to achieve, so now it’s time to put it into action. In many organisations, the performance management cycle starts at the beginning of the year, which is a good opportunity to discuss your goals with your manager,’ Rintjema says.
Jackson suggests that you choose the top three to five goals and map out a plan to achieve them. “Make sure you write them down on paper and put it somewhere you are bound to see it every day.”
