With the first quarter of 2018 behind us, block off time to review your professional goals.
Are you on track to achieving what you want?
Most firms include goal setting as part of your annual review. But usually, it’s tied to performance and may not incorporate the full picture of your career aspirations.
Whether your firm offers goal setting or not, take ownership of your career and do it on your own. Keep track of your performance to have meaningful conversations with your manager if you want more from your professional life.
Here are five items to consider as you set your goals and assess your performance.
1- Responsibilities:
Are you satisfied with the level or responsibilities you have currently or do you aspire to move into another role?
If the latter, have you started networking within your firm to let decision makers know you want to do more?
Or maybe you need to pursue an opportunity with another firm to get the opportunity you want?
2- Benefits:
Do you currently have the benefits you want?
If you want to have more income, have you discussed your need with your manager?
Or maybe you need to find another role that will pay you more money?
Are you satisfied with your flextime?
Or is this a point of negotiating with your manager?
Are you satisfied with your health benefits and other benefits offered by your firm?
3- Education:
Are you interested in attaining an advanced degree or additional training?
Have you discussed with your firm’s human resources department what expenses they will cover?
If you invest your time and money into more education, how will you use it?
4- Connections:
How are you showing your expertise with your connections?
Are you networking within your firm AND also with professional organizations?
Are you utilizing LinkedIn to stay relevant in your industry?
5- Motivation
Is your motivation wavering daily disrupting your ability to focus on achieving your goals?
Have you tried watching inspirational speakers via TED Talks or YouTube?
Have you explored hiring a professional to help you stay focused on your goals?
Have you taken advantage of your firm’s mentoring program?
Or have you put together your own advisory board?
There are many ways for you to reach your professional aspirations. All you need to do is take action. Stay PEF (positive, enthused, focused) and make 2018 your best year ever!
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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’.”