(And how to keep them!) 

 

So we have reached that time of year again, where those resolutions come flooding in, many repeating what we set out to do every year – exercise more, mind the finances, become a ‘better’ person… you get the gist!

By the time you’re reading this, it’s more than likely that the majority of these resolutions have been ditched already, given that a whopping 80% of us fail to keep them within the first 30 days! So, instead of setting those same old resolutions that you know you’re not actually going to keep, why not work towards goals that you can stick to all year round. Here’s 5 professional goals you’ll actually want to keep. 

 

1. I Will Build My Professional Network: 

Networking can open so many career related doors but it does mean that you actually have to work at it. When reaching out and making connections with other professionals in your field, you have the opportunity to find mentorship, valuable career advice or even an introduction to a new career prospect. Building your LinkedIn network is a good place to start! 

 

2. I Will Improve My Skill-Set: 

Developing and improving skills is one of the key resolutions that many professionals make every year. So, to really make this resolution go all the way, instead of just taking the time to sharpen existing skills, learn new ones that can help you feel fulfilled professionally, will help to boost your value in your company and help put you on track for career success. 

 

3. I Will Work Smarter: 

Working all hours of the day does not make you a more productive person, so this year focus on the outcomes rather than all the time you’re putting in. Set daily priorities and work towards them, ticking off tasks as you go along. Turn off your emails to avoid you getting distracted when you’re in the flow of work and set aside specific times when you can check your inbox. 

Remember! Focus on quality, not quantity!

 

4. I Will Take on a New Challenge: 

It can be easy to fall into a predictable pattern of routine and general complacency. So make this year your time to really shine and step outside your comfort zone. Are there any projects outside your defined role that you could contribute to? Perhaps it’s time to talk to your manager about taking on new responsibilities or expanding your current role. Push yourself and you sure won’t go unnoticed. 

 

5. I Will Be More Organised:

Getting a head start on organisation in the New Year is great but it can also be very hard to maintain. Focus your efforts on one or two key areas where you want to be more organised and continue to work on them throughout the year. Once you determine a system that works for you to manage your time better - whether it be with your desktop, or setting priorities – the more you will accomplish at work.  

 

Here’s how you can succeed with your goals: 

 

MAKE THEM SPECIFIC: 

One flaw that is often connected with goals is that they aren’t specific enough to go all the way! It can be really easy to lose focus when what you’re focussing on isn’t clear to begin with. In order to make your goals specific, ask yourself these things: 

• What will change?
• How will I know?
• Can I measure the result?
• When is the end result?
 

STAY FOCUSSED:  

It’s easy to start the year with the best intentions, only to lose sight of it as your goal grows closer. Remember to stay focussed and work at it and you’ll soon become less afraid of changing. Just think you don’t want to be in the same boat you are now in 12 months’ time right? 

 

MEASURE YOUR RESULTS: 

Seeing results can really motivate you to stick to your goals, especially if those results are measurable. Create a list of list of things that you have achieved and want to achieve with your goal, then work your way down ticking off everything that you’ve accomplished along the way. 

 

For more information on how we can help you achieve your goals this year: 

Please call: 0370 240 1010

Visit our website: www.adlestropconsulting.com
 

Speak to one of our consultants: 

Charles Magill 

Tim Bates

Follow us on LinkedIn: Adlestrop Consulting