We are in the final days of 2015, but it is never too late to end the year on a high note.
We often make resolutions for the new year in January, but why not start now? Here’s how to generate a plan and set realistic goals to make your career resolutions stick.
1. Know why resolutions fail. When was the last time you, or someone you know, stuck with your New Year’s resolution? You’ve either been too specific or unrealistic — or your head and heart weren’t into it. This doesn’t mean you can’t beat the odds or that you should avoid making resolutions.
Instead, make your resolutions stick by trying some of these tricks. Chunk your goals into weekly ones rather than one year-long commitment. Focus on the outcomes you can control. For example, don’t say you want a new job by the end of 2016. Instead, list the weekly actions you can take to get you in front of people with the power to hire. Avoid negative goals, such as “I have to get out of my job by the end of the year.” Rephrase that to a positive by saying, “I’m going to begin researching new jobs.” One of the best ways to ensure that you stay on track is to identify and enlist the help of an accountability partner.
2. Make more money. Who doesn’t want to make more money? You’ll need to be realistic about your expectations though. Take a look back at your employer’s recent history of doling out raises. While this information usually isn’t published, you can discreetly ask around. If you discover raises were issued, ask what employees did to earn the raise. To secure your chances of getting a raise, you’ll have to prove you’re worth it.
Tips to succeed. Review your last performance appraisal and make sure you’re exceeding this year’s measurements. You’re unlikely to receive an increase in pay for meeting goals. That’s just doing your job.
If you really want to prove you deserve a raise, pull together evidence that supports your case. This may include emails from satisfied customers or co-workers, a summary of the year’s monthly performance reports or a list of your accomplishments. Think about examples when you’ve gone above and beyond. Examine how that improved your department or brought in extra revenue for the company. Quantify everything you can with numbers. If you don’t know exact figures, estimate the approximate value.
3. Move up. Getting promoted isn’t always easy. There are many factors at play — availability of opportunities, company policies, tenure, performance and your manager’s support. You don’t have control over many of these factors, but you can take an inventory of your skills and qualifications against the desired role. Identify any gaps and what you can do to develop the missing skills or qualifications. Determine who else needs to know about your qualifications — and what you can do to let them know about your aspirations. Note what people who were successfully promoted did and emulate their steps.
Tips to succeed. Gaining your manager’s support will be important. Don’t wait for your next annual review. Set up a meeting with your manager to discuss your career with the company. Summarize why you are interested in the move up and why you feel you could be qualified. Now ask your manager for their advice and input on your goals. Be prepared. This conversation may not always go the way you anticipate. But even without your manager’s support, you can still take steps to pursue your goals, realizing that your new plan will likely require leaving the company.
4. Jump ship. Is your plan to leave your current employer for greener pastures? Don’t just say you want a better opportunity or new job. Define exactly what your ideal job and company would look like. Make sure that the choice you make fits with your current values and priorities.
Tips to succeed. Create a list of companies you think you would like to work for. These companies do not need to have open positions, but have hired for the role you are interested in. Begin talking, in confidence, with you closest circle of friends about these companies and ask for referrals or even ideas for other companies that may be a good fit for you.
5. Be happier. What if you don’t want more responsibility? In fact, what if you really like everything about your job and your company, but you just want more balance? First, you will need to define what balance would best fit your lifestyle. If being available 24/7 is part of your job description, you will have difficulty changing this. More often, people feel like they are on call when, in reality, they delegate poorly. If you resolve to not work on weekends or to take a vacation this month, begin outlining the specific steps you will need to take to achieve workplace zen.
Tips to succeed. Sit down with your manager with the sole purpose of communicating your plan and how you will achieve it. You may ask for your manager’s suggestions on how to best delegate or where to find mentorship on specific skills you are looking to develop.
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Career-Boosting Resolutions to Make Right Now originally appeared on usnews.com