With the new year approaching, now is a good time to reflect
on the past year and set goals for your career that will propel you closer to doing
the work you love.
Feel free to take the five goals below as yours or use them
for inspiration to come up with your own.
Utilize company resources more effectively. The benefits
your company provides are there for your … yes, benefit. Use them. Are you taking
advantage of the 401k plan or health savings account offered? If not, do so. Use
all your vacation time next year. If your company allows you to work at home occasionally,
try it out. Do you have a training allowance? Sign up for a course right now.
Why spend money at the coffee shop on the way to work when your company
provides free coffee in the lounge? Perhaps your company arranges carpooling opportunities
for employees? Consider how your companies benefits and resources can enhance your
work life next year.
Create a personal advisory board. Instead of looking for a
single mentor develop a strategic group of advisers to meet with periodically
to gain feedback from on your career and its direction. This group can be comprised
of mentors, former bosses and college instructors, along with successful entrepreneurs
and individuals in related fields. Meet with your advisers at least quarterly
and plan to do so in person. They can help you identify areas to improve your
career and introduce you to important people in their networks.
Take a class to learn a new skill. The world is changing
quickly and its important to stay up on the latest trends and knowledge in your
field. If your company offers regular training sessions for its employees be
sure to take advantage of that, or sign up for a relevant online course or
class at a local university or community college.
Attend the annual conference of an association in your area
of work. Nearly every job or career path has a membership association for
individuals in that field and these associations often present an annual
conference. Attend this year. Conferences provide excellent opportunities to gain
a new skill, increase knowledge about your area of work, meet new people and
extend your network, and often provide a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm
for attendees.
Make time for something you love. Be sure you have time in
your life and schedule for that hobby or side project you love: woodworking,
photography, writing, or scrap-booking? Who knows … next year might be the year
to turn your passion project into a side hustle and make some additional money with
it.
Take a few moments in the next week to reflect on the past
year and set your course for the new year ahead by setting three to five goals.
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