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Annual Career Resolutions

By Sally Benford posted 01-31-2019 02:46 PM

  
So, it’s that time of year again—you know, resolution time. With that in mind, do you realize that 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail? However, with the right planning, you just might be able to crack the code and become a member of the 20 percent group, and improve your professional—and personal—life for a bright and optimistic new year. Here are a few ways that you can achieve career resolutions in the upcoming year. 

By Sally Benford


goals.jpgMake a Plan
You can’t just think about professional growth to make it happen. You need to plan for upcoming opportunities. Do you want to attend a webinar? Travel to a conference? Take online classes? Make whatever it is you want to do a priority and mark it on your calendar. When commit to something by scheduling it, you’re more likely to stick to it.

Be Realistic
Many resolutions fail simply because we’re too gung-ho when beginning something new. Don’t over-schedule yourself and end up burning out early. If there are professional events you want to attend, choose one or two that most interest you, instead of a dozen.

Find Like-minded Peers
It’s easier to stick with a plan if you join with others. Maybe you and a colleague both want to attend a national conference this year. Decide together how you can make that happen and then, on a regular basis, discuss how you’re both working toward it.

State a Goal
When you decide what it is you want to accomplish, tell someone—either a coworker or your manager. We all do better when we’re held accountable. Is this the year you’ll devote to earning your CAEP certification? Let your boss know and lay out a plan for how you’ll include it in your schedule to keep your goal front and center.

Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
If you slip up and put off reading an article or attending a webinar, it’s not the end of the world. We all go off the rail at times and the best way to get back on track is to be kind to yourself. Resolutions don’t have to start—and end—in January. If your plan isn’t working, take some time to decide how you’ll revise it. You might find a webinar you want to attend that’s taking place on the third Tuesday in March—that’s as good a time as any to resume your resolutions.

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