New Year, New Career: 3 Steps To Achieve Your Career Goals

How can any of us resist the urge to reinvent ourselves with the turning of the calendar? Jump on the bandwagon—there’s plenty of room here among the hopeful, the determined, and the motivated.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on where you are and where you want to be, both professionally and personally. Set goals and embrace the possibilities that come with a fresh start. Whether you’re eyeing a new role, a career pivot, or simply leveling up in your current position, now is the moment to take charge and make it happen.

Do Some Inner Exploration

Man on laptop reflects on his career in the new year

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First, consider this a fresh start for you. What are you seeking as you dream about your next career opportunity? Some enticing ideas that often appear in my initial conversations with clients include:

Autonomy: The freedom to embark on creative projects, dictate your own time, and put your attention where you’re drawn.
Meaning: At the end of the day, knowing that where you’re spending your time matches your values at a basic level.
Connection: Working alongside people who get you, who respect you, who say “thanks” every now and then.
Engagement: Dialing into what you’re doing, using your brain, your intuition, and your other talents.

All of these possibilities are compelling, but before you press down on the gas pedal and drive out of where you are right now, ask yourself whether it’s your environment that’s creating the lack of these qualities, the boundaries (or lack thereof) that you put in place, or possibly the underlying ideas you have about yourself and your own worth and power.

Usually, it’s a combination of all of these factors, and if you can pull apart the company, your boss, your co-workers, and other dimensions of your environment which you’re unconsciously creating by playing out old scripts, then you’re ready to move to the next phase of the process.

Articulate The Most Important Qualities You Want

Woman writes down her career goals for the new year

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Make a list of what you want in your new career. Imagine that you’re single and you’re searching for a new romantic partner. Sit down and write a list of 10-15 qualities you’re seeking.

Next, get very specific about three more categories:

Where do you want to be working geographically? Whether it’s a specific city, country, or region, determine where you’re open to living and working, considering both personal preferences and professional growth potential.
What are some target companies you’d like to research? Take some time to research organizations that align with your values, interests, and career aspirations. This will help you focus your energy on companies that resonate with your goals.
What are the specific job titles that you’re seeking? Be clear about the roles that excite you, and ensure that they match your skill set, experience, and long-term vision. This will help you create a focused job search strategy and avoid wasting time on roles that don’t fit your ambitions.

Reach Out And Build Your Sphere Of Connections

Man on laptop reaches out to and reconnects with his professional network in the new year

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Strategically expand your circle to be in purposeful conversation with people who can offer intel on the companies and positions on your list.

For those of you who cringe at the idea of asking for help (particularly when it seems like you’re almost using people), if you’ve been networking the right way all along, it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Networking and maintaining and building your professional connections is about providing value. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you shouldn’t ask for their help right away. Establish a relationship first. Once you do that, they’ll be more than willing to help you in your career because they know you’d do the same for them.

This approach allows for mutual growth. It’s not about transactional interactions, but rather about cultivating long-term, supportive relationships. The key is to be authentic, show genuine interest in others’ success, and offer your assistance where you can. When you approach networking with this mindset, it transforms from a task into a rewarding experience that benefits everyone involved.

Whatever you want out of life and your career, you can accomplish. A year from now, you really can be in a completely different spot, one that resonates more deeply for you. So, what are you waiting for?

Every small step you take now brings you closer to the life and career you’ve always envisioned. Embrace the opportunities ahead, stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to take bold leaps. The future is waiting for you to shape it, so start building the new you today!

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