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by Annette Richmond
Ever make a New Year's resolution? If you answered yes,
you're not alone. It's one of our favorite pastimes. There's
something about a brand new calendar that suggests the
opportunity to start all over again.
Whether your resolution is to find a new job, get a promotion,
market your business more successfully or to make more
time for yourself, you'll get more results if you set some
concrete goals. Yes, goals.
Think about it. How many times have you promised yourself
that You would "eat healthier" or "exercise regularly" or
"whatever?" And how many times have you followed-
through? If the answer is "not often," I'm guessing that you
probably didn't write down specific goals.
That's ok. Each New Year or month or day, offers another
chance to make a fresh start. The key to turning resolutions
into results is to make a plan. Create one that includes long-
and short-term goals, and plenty of opportunities to measure
your achievements along the way.
Remember when you were in school? When you started first
grade you weren't thinking about getting into junior high
school. Sure, you knew that was your long-term goal, but
your focus was on a series of short-term goals: passing your
first test, getting through the first semester, then moving on
to the second grade.
Whatever you want to do, the strategy is the same: set up
long-term goals, short-term goals, and concentrate on
overcoming one hurdle at a time. Maybe today is the day
you decide to adopt a "healthier lifestyle." This is a common
resolution. Often prompted by a run up the stairs that left you
gasping for air or a day spent shopping for bathing suits. But
where should you start? Begin by determining what you
really want to achieve.
Let's say the long-term goal of your "healthier lifestyle" is to
become stronger and loose weight. Exercising regularly is
one of your short-term goals. Neither of these is specific
enough. Start by clarifying your long-term goal. Instead of
being stronger and loosing weight, plan to drop 10 pounds
and be able to walk a 15-minute mile.
These are measurable goals. Rather than saying you will start to exercise, plan to
exercise for 20 minutes three times a week, starting on
Monday. This is something you can mark on your calendar,
a visual reminder of your accomplishments. Begin today by
taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Think how great
you'll feel because you've taken action.
The same is true for your career. If you want to find new job
or start your own business, you'll be more successful if you
have a plan. Let's say your long-term goal is to get another
job. Your short-term goals may include reworking your
resume, networking and looking for job openings.
Break
each of these down to relatively small, measurable tasks.
For example, if you're sending out resumes, commit to
sending out at least five each week. Get started by working
on your resume or making a list of job-search sites today. If
your goal is to change careers, schedule some time this
week for self-assessment and research. Plan to investigate
at least one career that interests you each week.
Changing your life isn't easy. Just contemplating it can
sometimes be overwhelming. But, developing a plan for
change will make the process easier. You can make it
happen by taking it one step at a time. And if you think one
step isn't significant, remember: "A journey of a thousand
miles begins with a single step." (Confucius)
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Reserved
Annette Richmond is a writer, career coach and founder of
career-intelligence.com, The smart woman's online career
resource. It's your life make the most of it. We can help you
take control of your career, find a new job or start your own
business. http://www.career-intelligence.com
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