2017

2017 is right around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about your resolutions for the new year. Along with typical resolutions like joining a gym and living a healthier lifestyle, you should also be thinking about what your goals are to improve your career over the course of the next year.

While making these career resolutions, keep in mind that these goals should be attainable and sustainable for the entire year (not just the first week of January). With only 8% of Americans fulfilling their new year’s resolutions, it is important to set yourself up for success by considering what you want to accomplish in 2017 and determining if those goals are realistic.

Setting your sights on becoming the CEO of your company this year probably isn’t the best resolution for 2017; instead, use the following list to start brainstorming resolutions that will help you to further your career this year.

 

Broaden your perspective: This year, make it your goal to broaden your perspective at work.  It can be easy to put our blinders on and solely focus on our individual projects and responsibilities, but doing this can hinder our ability to succeed in the workplace.  This year, take the time to talk to your coworkers and learn how various positions function within the company.  Learning more about other positions will not only give you a new appreciation for your coworkers, but it will also help you learn how to best support your team members.

Get organized: If you are like me, 2017 is the year to get rid of clutter and get organized!  Along with cleaning your desk, organizing files on your computer, and sifting through old emails, don’t forget to organize your work commitments and projects.  You can do this by recording commitments and projects on your calendar as they arise throughout the year, and also recording when certain milestones should be reached for each.  By doing this, you can ensure that your tasks and timelines are organized and that you stay on track at work this year!

Learn to delegate: Learning to delegate at work will help you to maintain a good work-life balance, which will give you more time to reach the resolutions that you are setting for your personal life.  Working on delegating as your career resolution for 2017 will allow you to spend more time with family and finally utilize that gym membership.  In addition, delegating tasks at work will help to free up some of your time so that you are able to work towards growing your position.

Grow your position: Are you starting to feel bored at work and no longer challenged?  Congrats!  This means that you now feel confident in your current role; it also means that you need to start looking for new ways to challenge yourself this year.  Reflect on your current position and think of ways that you can take on new tasks and responsibilities.  From making yourself available to team members for help with projects to taking the initiative to sign up for additional training, be proactive in challenging yourself and taking your position to the next level.

Get to know your company: Just because you work for a company does not necessarily mean that you know much about it beyond what you researched when you were applying for your position.  It can be easy to focus on your tasks and forget to stay up to date on the company that you are working for; therefore, it is a good idea to re-familiarize yourself with your company this year.  After all, getting to know your company can help you to stay attuned to what is happening within the company, any changes that are being made, and any opportunities that may arise that will help you to grow as a professional.

Communicate effectively: Further your career this year by working on your communication skills.  Clear communication reduces mistakes in the workplace and helps to boost productivity.  Make a conscious effort to listen to your coworkers in order to understand your role, their role, and how you can work together to accomplish tasks.  Show that you are listening and understanding with appropriate body language and eye contact.  In addition, make sure that you clearly communicate your needs by being specific in your requests.  Generalizing requests and vague feedback often lead to confusion and tasks not being completed properly.

Move on: In addition to making career resolutions that will help you to succeed in your current role, you may be looking at 2017 as an opportunity to move on in your career or maybe even switch career fields.  If this is the case and you are ready to move on, contact a recruiter at Business Talent Solutions who will help you to reach your resolution of moving forward in your career this year.