Instead of setting the same old, same old New Year’s Resolutions that will probably get chucked by the time mid-January rolls around, why not set strategic goals that you can actually achieve in 2012?
Here are a few professional tips to help you set goals that you can realistically achieve within the next year. These goals can be used to further your career, improve your relationships, or even help you cross a few items off your bucket list. The sky’s the limit…
BE HONEST.
If you want to set realistic goals that you can achieve, you have to actually be interested in the goals you are setting. This may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t set goals because you feel like you “should” do something. If you feel like you should work harder to earn a promotion yet are completely content in your current job, that’s probably not the right goal for your New Year.
DREAM BIG.
Many people make the mistake of cutting themselves short. Yes, you do need to be realistic, but you also have to go after what you really want. If you have been dreaming of writing and publishing a novel, then make that your goal. The big picture may not happen in the next year, but you can set small goals to publish articles, start your own blog, and write at least one short story per month. Baby steps.
CREATE SMALLER MILESTONES.
If you have a larger goal of owning your own company, that may take several years to achieve. But you can create smaller milestones to begin pursuing a career in a field you love, branch out into freelance work, and take on a few personal clients. These are all small milestones that you can use to build your credibility and learn more about what it takes to run your own company.
DRAW A PLAN OF ACTION.
Once you have smaller milestones broken down, write or diagram exactly what it will take to achieve these small goals within the year. If you want to get promoted, chart out how much extra you will have to work, what type of projects you may need to take on, and who you need to speak to about new opportunities. If you want to get back in the dating game, explore memberships to online dating websites and check out community groups that you can join to expand your social circle.
And last of all, don’t forget to take action. It’s one thing to plan, set goals, and brainstorm about your future, but putting your feet to the pavement is the only way to get sure results in changing your position in life.
Classy Career Girl readers, have you set your goals for 2012 yet?
Today’s post is write by Bethany Ramos who is a full-time freelance writer and co-owns her own e-commerce website, The Coffee Bump. The Coffee Bump specializes in a wide variety of bunn coffee makers and assorted coffee and espresso products.