Have you accomplished your professional goals for 2016? Yes, it’s hard to believe there’s only a few more weeks left in the year.
Some firms require employees to identify goals for the year and base their performance review on these accomplishments. Whether your firm has a program or not, take time to figure out your own professional goals – what you want out of your life at work.
Face it, we spend more time doing work than we do living life. With technology, some of us may have flexibility to work virtually – but you’re still doing work. So why not make this aspect of life more enjoyable.
Here are some questions to ponder:
Are you satisfied with your current role?
Are you satisfied with your current employer?
Are you learning new things?
Are you satisfied with the status quo?
If you answered no to any of those questions, then evaluate your professional goals. Whether you want to stay with your current employer or explore new opportunities, take time to reflect and plan.
First brainstorm what you want to do. Take ten minutes and jot down what you want to do professionally. It can be realistic or it can be a stretch. Don’t overthink this step, just start listing items you want to accomplish professionally.
Next, review your list and identify which items you can tackle in 2017. Target no more than three items.
Be realistic with your timeframe and task on hand.For example, if you want to attain a certification or advance degree, look at how long the program will take you.
If you want to look for a new job, then make it your only focus. Looking for a new job is a lot of work and takes time.
For the other items on your list, mark them for 2018 or later. You have the rest of your life to accomplish these items.
Many people lose momentum with accomplishing their professional goals because they have too many items on their list. Make it easier on yourself and target no more than three items to accomplish next year.
And it’s definitely okay to target only one item. You will not receive a gold star for accomplishing everything on your list.
There is no timeframe other than the timeframe you put on yourself. In order to stay PEF – positive, enthused, focused – be realistic with your professional goals.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”