A lot of us start to think about our careers at the start of a New Year. It’s often a time of looking back over the year that’s just passed assessing what went well, and what could have gone better. It’s also a time to look forward. To think about what you want from the coming year, and where you hope to be this time next year. It’s a time to set goals and make changes.
A lot of people come out of this period of reflection with a desire to boost their career. Looking back on the last 12 months shows them they need to push forward if they want things to change. So, whether you are on the right path, or you are ready to make some significant changes at work, here are five great ways that you can give your career a boost.
Go Back to School
When we start a new job, we’re eager to learn as much as we can. Even if we’ve spent years at college studying before finding a job, we still have a lot to learn about working in our chosen career field. However, over time, things tend to become routine and we get used to the work we are doing. We can do our jobs, and we do them well but we are no longer growing and learning new things. We are not staying in tune with the changes in our areas of expertise.
Things do change. The graduates coming through today will have a far different knowledge base then you do. You might have more experience, but the information they have learned will be current and up to date. You might want to go back to school to expand your knowledge base. If you are in the field of education, you can go back to school and earn a masters degree in special education. If you don’t want to go back to school for a degree, you can take a few training courses to see what has changed since you were in school. Or, you might just want to do some independent research and reading. Whatever you do, make sure you are always open to learning, and never assume you already know everything.
Set Some Goals
Goals and targets are a fantastic way to motivate yourself to achieve more. Big goals, like promotions and pay, rises or landing big deals are fantastic, but you should also set smaller, attainable targets. The smaller targets are a brilliant way to keep yourself on track and boost your confidence.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
As you have settled in your job over the years, it’s easy to become comfortable. Sometimes, way too comfortable. When we start going through the motions, we grow complacent, we get bored, and we stop putting the effort in. To avoid this try to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Volunteer for the jobs that challenge you. Try new things, learn more and ask for help. Challenging your mind forces it to grow and develop.
Revamp Your Wardrobe
When we become too comfortable with our job, one of the things we tend to overlook is our wardrobe. We forget, someone, especially our boss, is always watching us. If we look as if we don’t care, it will be noticed.
Does your wardrobe reflect your position in the organization? Have you started slacking up on your appearance because others around you are? If you are seeking a promotion or wanting to move to a new position remember to dress the part. Go through your wardrobe and take an honest assessment of what needs to go and what you should keep. Figure out what items you want to update and spend a fun day with a friend shopping for what you need. For the items you decided not to keep, consider donating them to a local charity such as Good Will.
Speak to Your Boss
If you are worried that your career is off track, or not heading where you want it to, speak to your supervisor. If you are self-employed or run your own business, sit down and assess your own performance or speak with someone in a similar field for some career advice. You can also consider working with a Career Coach who can help you assess where you are and develop a roadmap for your future.
Regardless where you are along your career path, take some time to assess where you are and what you want to achieve this next year. Include one or more of these strategies to give your career the boost it needs. If you find yourself feeling stuck and not sure what steps to take send me an email at cowens@infiinitycoaching.net. But always keep in mind, the career path you take is yours – success on YOUR own terms.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where she can help you up-level your skills, so you can up-level your income, career, business or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more he about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
