Have you been feeling stagnant professionally? Whether you’re on the search for a new job or simply hoping to accelerate your career, effective goal setting is essential for both personal and professional improvement. As you gear up for another year ahead, there’s great value in setting meaningful goals and preparing yourself for how you’ll achieve them.
Here’s how you can get started with the goal-setting process:
Get clear on your intentions.
Before setting any definitive goals, you must get clear on your true intentions and what you’re hoping to achieve. This requires that you be mindful of what you want, rather than what you think society wants you to do. For instance, is your goal to earn a higher salary, or is it really to achieve greater satisfaction in your job? While it’s easy to set goals based on monetary gain, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what will make you happiest in the long run. From there, you can begin to formulate goals that are aligned with your interests at heart.
Put your goals in writing.
When it comes to goals, the written word is powerful! Writing down your goals is an effective practice that will help you remember your main objectives and hold yourself accountable. Writing can help you get clear on the types of goals you’re setting for yourself, allowing you to bring your vision into reality. Additionally, the practice of writing can be extremely effective in helping you filter your thoughts and identify the best opportunities for your personal growth.
Enlist the help of others.
What you might not realize is that you don’t have to reach your goals all by yourself. Enlisting the help of managers, coaches, and mentors will provide you with guidance along the way, giving you the momentum to stay on track and improve with regular feedback. For instance, your manager may offer to meet with you monthly to check in on your progress. Having a trusted advisor in your corner can help you stay motivated and committed as you embark on your goals and track your success along the way.
Setting goals – and achieving them – is no easy feat for anybody. However, with the right plan and mindset, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals for the new year.
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