2017 has almost wrapped up and like me, you might be starting to think about your professional goals for 2018. Thinking about the year ahead can be a little daunting so I prefer to break it down by using the SMART principles and plan accordingly. Here are my tips:
Work backwards
Identify your long-term career goals and how you will work towards them in the coming year. Create an action plan for each month; this may include attending seminars and networking events or regularly meeting with a mentor.
Evaluate your skills
Create a list of the skills you possess and those you have acquired over the past 12 months. Identify skills you have mastered that relate to your career and those that need further development. Finally identify skills you need to gain, in order to achieve your set goals and methods to attain these skills and consider how you will work towards developing those skills – it could be acquiring a new skillset or further refining existing skills.
Identify roadblocks
Whilst you can’t predict all roadblocks, identify potential risks and create strategies to overcome them. Roadblocks are obstacles that can affect your planned course of action or make you reconsider your plan. Common roadblocks include family changes, job insecurity, unexpected health issues and industry or legislative changes. Planning strategies to overcome these challenges will enable you to feel more prepared and secure when progressing towards your goals.
Be smart
Finally, use the SMART principles when setting your goals; make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Set aside time at regular intervals to evaluate your progress and revise your plan if necessary.
Wishing you all the best for a successful and prosperous new year!