New Year and your career

The fun of New Year’s Eve now seems like a distant memory as the gloom of January sets in, so how are your New Year’s resolutions holding up?

It’s easy to give up on those promises to yourself, especially in the face of cold weather and long nights, but have you thought about making your career your New Year’s resolution this year?

A more long-term resolution than the diet and purse string promises we usually make, a New Year career resolution could have a far more positive impact on your life. Whatever your career goals are, there’s no better time than now to start working towards them.

Think about your career goals for 2015

When deciding upon your New Year career resolutions, the best place to start is by thinking 12 months into the future: where do you want to be? What do you want to have achieved?

Whether it’s starting a new job, getting promoted within your current company, or changing career completely, setting a long-term goal – within an achievable timeframe – is the first step on the road to your career improvements.

Once you’ve set your career goal – or goals – for 2015, you can start setting smaller targets to help you on the way to achieving your overall ambition.

Start working towards smaller targets

These smaller, short-term targets are a good way to stay motivated and keep you track to achieving what you want in 2015. They can be as big or small as you want – as long as they help you get ahead.

Are you aiming for a new job by the end of the year? Set yourself the target of applying for a least five jobs by the end of the month. Or maybe you’re hoping for a promotion? Promise yourself that you’ll talk to your boss about any opportunities to take on more responsibility.

Once you’ve completed a target, set another and begin working towards it. Remember to try and push yourself each time – aim to apply for seven jobs, rather than five, for example – to ensure you’re edging closer and closer to your overall target.

Review your progress

Throughout the year keep track of your progress in relation to your career goal, to make sure you’re on-course. And if you’re not, do something about it!

If your qualifications or experience aren’t enough to get you your job dream, then think about enrolling on a course to give you that cutting edge. Or if there are no opportunities for promotion within your company, think about looking elsewhere for progression.

Whatever your career ambition, 2015 can be the year you achieve it! Just stay focused, keep motivated and don’t lose sight of your dream. Good luck!