Q What’s the best way to approach work-related New Year’s resolutions?
A Professional goals frequently take a backseat to daily workloads and other priorities. Yet pursuing these objectives can be a catalyst for making changes in other areas of one’s life, such as reducing stress, increasing income or balancing work and family demands. Here are some tips for staying focused on career goals:
Keep them visible. It does no good to tuck your resolutions away and revisit them on December 31 to see what you accomplished. Write them down and place them somewhere visible so you’ll be reminded of them daily.
Follow the buddy system. Enlist the help of friends or colleagues to keep on track. If your goal is to expand your contact list, invite an associate to attend a networking function with you.
Break it up. It’s easy to get discouraged by resolutions that appear too ambitious or time-consuming. Instead, outline your objectives and plan what you will do on a quarterly, monthly and weekly basis.
Treat yourself. Accomplishing your goals is a reward in itself, but be sure to pat yourself on the back along the way. If your objective is a promotion, for example, congratulate yourself on an outstanding review.
Be flexible. Temporary setbacks will happen. Be willing to adopt a new strategy if the one you’re using isn’t working.
Make it a work-in-progress. Cross off goals accomplished and add new ones throughout the year.
Liz Hughes is executive director of staffing firm OfficeTeam (www.officeteam.com)
