While typically most people wait until January 1st to set their big goals and resolutions, now is the perfect time to set smaller goals that can kickstart good habits. Goals help motivate and give you something to strive for since it’s in our human nature to want to continuously improve. Here is a list of short-term, attainable work-focused goals to consider…
Ask for More Responsibilities
If you want a raise at work but are unsure how your manager would respond, first see if there are additional projects you can take on. If you have the time and energy, taking on additional responsibilities will not only show your manager that you’re capable of more but in the long run, could potentially lead to a raise in pay. It could also help when you’re on the job market since the added job duties will look good on your resume. Depending on your industry, work may be slower during the months of November and December, making it the perfect time to take on additional work.
Commit to Learning and Growing
Another attainable goal could be reading, listening, or watching relevant articles/podcasts/videos that will spark your creativity and increase your work success. Setting a goal, such as listening to one career podcast a week, is not only attainable but can re-invigorate you. If you need ideas, here is a list of the top 10 Career Podcasts Glassdoor put together.
Clean Up Your Desktop
While it’s important to have your physical workspace clean and organized, it’s also helpful to clean up your digital desktop. Organizing and filing away documents in the proper spot will make your life easier and save time when you’re searching for documents in the future. Spend some time each week cleaning up your emails and documents, organizing them into appropriate files that you can easily find and access and delete anything you won’t need.
Expand Your Professional Network
As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Networking and creating professional connections are essential for career success and can further your career. In an article on Forbes about the importance of networking, they say, “For many individuals that have succeeded in their career, the causes have largely been contributed to the strong networking channels they have created over time.” There are various ways to expand your professional network, from simply connecting with old colleagues on LinkedIn, to volunteering, to registering for industry-related events in your area. Setting a goal for yourself, such as creating one strong professional connection per month, will build a strong network over time.