Now is the Best Time to Take Control of Your Career

Every January I work through my vision and goal setting for the coming year. I know I’m not alone in doing this as it seems to be an annual topic of discussion with many of my friends.

I can’t count how many times quitting a job, going after a dream job (or less soul sucking job), getting a promotion, learning a new skill, starting a business, or even standing up to a toxic boss or coworker has been mentioned as a goal for the coming year.

And here’s the thing – it rarely happens.

Yes, yes in the glow of the new year many of us feel empowered to chart a new course or take a bold action. But let’s be honest – change can be scary. We get comfortable with a steady paycheque, paid vacations and predictable hours (even if they aren’t ideal). It often takes a big event (positive or negative) or us getting to our final straw before we make the change we need.

Let’s make 2019 different

So how do we make the change that will propel us forward? By biting off small pieces. Go back to your 2019 vision and goal setting (and if you haven’t done this, you need to take the time to set your course for the coming year). If you have any big goals (like the ones I mentioned earlier), break them down into bite size pieces. Put timelines and check-ins on your calendar throughout the year to hold yourself accountable for doing the work needed to make the change.

This could be a simple (and fun) as scheduling a quarterly brunch with your friends or partner. Start in January with sharing your goals with each other (so you’ve said them out loud, others know what you’re planning to achieve and they can hold you accountable). Then have quarterly check-ins (okay brunches or drinks) so you can update each other on your progress.

Invite (and encourage) your friends to ask probing questions or call you to task for not working through the actions you had written down that will help you achieve your goals. It’s much harder to justify your procrastination (or fear) to others than it is to yourself (I’ve been busy, I’m too tired, I just bought a new car). Sound familiar?

Celebrate your successes

As you work through the actions needed to achieve your goals, take time to celebrate. Did you have that difficult conversation with your boss? Take a course that will help expand your resume or experience (bringing you one step closer to pursing your dream job)? Or did you leave the office on time five days in a row?

Having a personal support group allows you to call up a friend and share this accomplishment. This is someone who will not only appreciate the work that went into it, but also encourage you to keep on going so you can reach your ultimate goal.

Setting new patterns

As you work through your vision and goals, celebrate your successes, support and foster friends, and tackle your obstacles, you are setting a new course for your life. You are reminding yourself (and setting an example for others) that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, hard work, the support of others, and a bit of fun.

If you make this process a regular part of not only ringing in the new year, but also the blueprint for your professional and personal growth, I promise great things will happen. If you just write down your goals (resolutions, vision, pick the word) in January and walk away, when you revisit them at the end of the year, you’ll likely be discouraged at how little you accomplished.

I encourage you to take some time to review (or set) your vision and goals for 2019. Now think of what friends, family or even acquaintances you want to work with to not only make your goals a reality, but help support each other.

How can you make this fun? Is it going for a hike and talking along the way? Incorporating it into a camping trip? Book club? Dinner party? Or a closed Facebook group where you can share updates, offer encouragement and celebrate successes.

However this looks, is up to you. But what’s important is you put the pieces in place to make sure your 2019 goals become a reality.

I would love to hear how you’re doing or answer any questions you may have. Just comment below or send me a message.

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