Consider creating micro-goals for the new year
Q: At the end of each year, I consciously try to set career goals for the new year. My challenge is keeping them past March without feeling like I let myself down. I know everyone is different when it comes to goal setting. What suggestions do you have for helping me reach my goals without giving up?
A: A fresh start with a plan to follow in the new year can give you direction and helps you feel good about yourself when you reach your goals. Setting goals often gives you control over what matters to you the most.
If you are like most people, you can start the year with great intentions of reaching your goals only to get sidetracked months later because your goals need to be narrower. Setting broad goals can be why it is difficult to make them stick and why some give up to soon.
An excellent way to approach your
New Year’s goals is by using a solution focus strategy based on shrinking your goals down to size.
Creating micro-objectives is the best way to ensure you stay focused and on track. You can begin by narrowing down your career goals and turning them into clear directions with simple step-by-step actions.
Here are some suggestions for careerrelated goals using a micro-career resolution approach to help you start the year:
• Instead of “I am going to do more networking.” Replace it with “I am going to make one new connection weekly.” It takes time to build your network, make it a goal to reach out to one person weekly; before you know it, your network connections will grow and strengthen.
• Instead of “I will start applying to more jobs.” Replace it with “I will start focusing on positions that are a good match for my background and interests.” Applying for jobs is time-consuming and using your time wisely helps you feel like you are accomplishing targeted goals. Applying to more jobs is not necessarily a good career strategy. Instead, narrow them down.
• Instead of “I want to start spending more time with family and friends.” Replace it with “I will put away my laptop and phone during conversations.” Quality time with your relationships begins with giving them your full attention instead of multitasking. Technology is great, but nothing replaces the time you spend listening and talking with those you care about.
• Instead of “I want to find another career in the next three months.” Replace it with “I want to meet people working in my career field of interest.” Meeting people knowledgeable about specific careers helps you gain more understanding and helps expand networking connections.
• Instead of “I want a promotion at work with more responsibility.” Replace it with “I will keep an updated list of my accomplishments and contributions.” When you can verbalize your value to your boss, it is much easier to discuss your career progression. Knowing your strengths sends a confident message that you are ready for the next step.