Making a resolution about your job
or any other aspect of your life is really nothing
more than goal setting. Merriam-Webster defines a
goal as: "The end toward which effort is directed:
AIM." The secret to success is setting goals
that are achievable. They should make you stretch,
but with effort they should be within reach. The following
points are really useful for planning a career.
1. Brush up on skills.
Take a class or go to a seminar. "It is essential
to set learning goals on a regular basis. As the saying
goes, 'If you're not green and growing, you're ripe
and rotting'."
2. Learn more about new technology.
"Technology is here to stay. If you're a novice,
shame on you" Holland says. "Communication
is essential for business success. Take stock of where
you're the weakest and change that."
3. Update that résumé.
"Others may disagree with me, but the time it
takes to do a résumé well should support
doing it only when you truly are planning to find
new opportunities outside of -- or within -- your
company." (In this day and age, change is often
unplanned. We still feel it's a good idea to be prepared.)
4. Learn a foreign language.
This is particularly important if your work puts you
in contact on a regular basis with people who speak
another language, Holland says. "Spanish in particular
is a good choice these days, as there are many areas
of the United States where Spanish-speaking populations
are dominant."
5. Clean out old files, e-mails and your Rolodex
and automate .
"Cleaning up old files is a great way to revisit
priorities and gain perspective on what's really important.
Not only will it give you a fresh start to the year
ahead, but if you pay careful attention to what you
keep and what you toss it may help you manage your
workload more effectively in the future." When
it comes to technology, Holland warns not to succumb
to ads touting the newest techno-trend, instead know
yourself and choose tools that match your personality.
6. Network with five people a month.
Holland suggests you commit to expanding your knowledge
base and understanding of your company or industry
in broader ways. Once you've identified what you have
to learn in those areas, determine the people who
will help you realize those goals and meet with them
accordingly.
7. Read best-selling business books.
"It's important to be well-versed on business
trends, even if it's nothing more than to find your
way to a healthy debate with others," Holland
says.
8. Find more time for self/family each week.
"More and more effective leaders that I know
are looking for a 'blend' of family and work life
versus a balance of the two. Look for ways to integrate
both aspects of your life. Let family join you on
a business trip, leave the office early on an afternoon
to attend your child's sporting event, or share family
reading time by catching up on that New York Times
best seller on business while sitting next to your
children or spouse."
9. Put more money in a 401(k) or savings.
"Saving for retirement is critically important.
Simply commit to yourself to take that next pay increase
and put in your 401(k) before you ever have the chance
to miss it." Making this part of your career
goals will give you peace of mind that you're building
toward a more comfortable retirement.
10. Exercise, eat healthy and find your best
way to invigorate.
"Find ways to exercise with your family, and
pay attention to what you're eating. Take time to
reflect on what activities invigorate you and commit
more time to doing them."