It’s a long honored tradition to set New Year’s resolutions; a list of personal goals for the upcoming year. A way to start fresh and get motivated in the months ahead. So why should your professional life be any different? Here are tips on how to set realistic workplace goals that you can actually stick to.
Evaluate the previous year
If you don’t learn from the past, you will continue to make the same mistakes. Take some time to do a review of your previous year’s accomplishments, the challenges you overcame, and areas that may be in need of improvement.
Write it down
According to research, goals that are documented are 42% more likely of being achieved then intangible goals. A way to document your goals from year to year. Not only will you be more likely to accomplish your goals, but you will be able to look back on the progress you have made over the years.
Use the SMART method.
Which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound
Specific – You are more likely to accomplish your goals if they are specific. Avoid vague terms when setting your goals. Example: Pursue personal development opportunities Take Seth Godin’s leadership workshop.
Measurable – Set a goal that you can prove you have achieved. If there is no way to measure your accomplishments, then how do you know you have reached your goal? Example: Get a raise. Get a 4% raise. Attainable – Be realistic. It may seem impressive to make lofty goals but reaching too far can backfire on you. Setting yourself up for success is important in order to maintain momentum throughout the entire year. Example: Increase customer satisfaction by 30%. Increase customer satisfaction by 10% on post service surveys.
Relevant – Make sure your goals are leading you in the path you want your career to go. This helps to keep you focused on your long term goals. Example: Networking. Find a mentor in senior sales.
Time-bound – Deadlines are the best way to keep people motivated. They also help give you an endpoint for celebration. Keep a timeline in mind for your goals. Set short term and long term goals to maintain credibility. Example: Become a VP. Research MBA program and start application process.
Prioritize your goals
No matter how few goals you have it’s important to prioritize them. Startby classifying them with low, medium or high priority. By dividing your goals by priority, you will have a clear focus on which to accomplish first. It can also help you to avoid stretching yourself in too many directions
Create an action plan
In order to effectively reach your goals, you need a game plan. As with any project it’s more likely to be successful if you lay out a clear path to success.
After you have successfully set your goals it’s important to evaluate your goals every three months and make necessary adjustments. You may even want to add additional goals to your list. This will help you hold yourself accountable for the progress you have ….. or have not made.
Do your 2020 goals involve software development but you’re not sure you have the resources to get started? Excel SoftSources has a team ready to help augment your current team.
