Did you accomplish the things you that were at the top of your priority list this year? Yes? No? Did you wish you could have taken more time off? Traveled more? Gotten a raise? Quit your old job? Applied for a new job? Are you ready to put this year to bed?
Whatever your answer, want to design an even better career and work life for yourself in 2018? Here are five questions to ask yourself that will get you there.
- Where do I want to be at the end of 2018?
Years fly by, but days pass slowly. Mondays may feel like they will never end. And mid-week blues might have you convinced that your year is endless. But at the end of the year, are you always surprised at how quickly it flew by?
December is a good time to contemplate where your career is heading, and where you want to be at the end of the upcoming year. Do you picture yourself in a new job? Having a different set of clients? A new career, even? It might take a few days to get a clear idea of where you want to be at the end of next year. But if there is only one task you gave yourself to prepare for next year, this is it.
If you want to harness the power of visualization to achieve success in your career, you first need to know what you want and where you want to go.
- Am I willing to grab career opportunities that come my way?
Opportunities are out there, but often we either do not recognize them, or we give ourselves excuses as to why we are not ready. You see a new job posting in your LinkedIn feed, but then you think about how your resume is not updated… That is an excuse that you use to sabotage your success.
To become willing to jump at the opportunities that come along, you must prepare yourself physically and mentally. Physically, by doing the work of updating your resume, getting a cover letter ready, and using cover letter samples if you are not a great writer. Mentally, by reminding yourself as often as needed where you want to be at the end of the year. And measuring opportunities by whether they will bring you closer to that year-end goal or not.
- What skill set am I missing that could mean a pay raise or new career opportunities?
Understanding search engine marketing could boost your average pay by 5 percent, according to Time.com. At the executive level, knowledge of strategy development brings in the biggest pay hike at 9.7 percent.
Attractive skill sets are different, depending on the career path. Do some research to figure out what makes others earn more in their position than what you are presently earning. It could be that they have different qualifications or a certain skill set that is earning them the big bucks. Drill down on what skill set you can acquire that will boost your career in a huge way.
- How can I make my work life happier?
Being happy and fulfilled in one’s work matters. And taking some time to understand how to make yourself happier in your career is pivotal to avoiding burnout and work-related stress. You might benefit from more breaks, using all your vacation days, or taking that travel vacation you have been putting off.
Figuring out a way to include exercise and self-care into your work life can also boost your feelings of well-being. Figure out what it will take to help you feel better about your life and make that a priority, too
- What is the one work regret I have in 2017?
It could be saying no to a work opportunity. It could be a failure to sign up and complete a course or attend a conference that could mean a vast jump in earnings. It could be neglecting to go to social networking events where you would have the opportunity to make new connections. It could be that you did not ask your boss for a raise. It could be that you did not ask for more flexible work hours or the possibility of working remotely. It could be not starting your own business.
Focus in on what you regret not doing in 2017 when it comes to your work life. And consider making that a priority for next year.
