BEST STEPS FOR A FRESH START
Determine if your job is still working for you, with this advice from SEEK
IN the spirit of the new year and fresh starts, now is an ideal opportunity to set new goals to stay satisfied at work. It is important workers regularly reassess their careers and aim for measurable outcomes, as work environments continually change. Start with this 10-step guide:
STEP 1: REFLECT
Think about the past year and what has been achieved. Career coach Kerina Alter says talk to someone whom you respect or a qualified career professional.
STEP 2: IDENTIFY VALUES
Determine what is important in life. When goals are aligned with values, workers are more likely to achieve them, as there is enjoyment and meaning attached.
STEP 3: DREAM BIG
No one can achieve great things if there is no vision to launch from. “Dream big without evaluating or talking yourself out of it,” Alter says. “It’s OK to be ambitious.”
STEP 4: KNOW THE PURPOSE
Workers are more likely to commit to a goal if they understand the reason for it. Ask yourself why it is important to achieve this goal.
STEP 5: BREAK IT DOWN
“Have a big picture, but more importantly, have a small picture,” Alter says. Divide the end goal into bite-sized portions then prioritise what should be done first.
STEP 6: EXPRESS IT
The more someone talks about their goals, the more committed they will feel. Write down your goals, tell people about them, and set regular calendar reminders to stay on track.
STEP 7: DEFINE ACTIONS
Consider how to start the process. Write a to-do list with items such as inquiring about an online course or reviewing where money can be saved and used to buy new software.
STEP 8: CREATE A RISK PLAN
Consider any obstacles that may get in the way. “You may have to be flexible and change tracks as your circumstances change, but that’s not a reason to give up or label the whole exercise as a failure,” Alter says.
STEP 9: SET A TIME FRAME
Most people work productively when they are striving towards a deadline, so consider how long each action will take to achieve and set a date next to it.
STEP 10: ASSESS & REWARD
A reward for fulfilling a goal will be motivating. “Some goals will be harder to achieve than others, so change the reward accordingly,” Alter says. THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON SEEK CAREER ADVICE