As we near the last couple weeks of the year, now is the perfect time to start planning for next year, and thinking about what you would like to accomplish. While for some, this may look like New Year’s Resolutions, it doesn’t need to be as formal as that. Reflecting on your past year and setting goals for 2024 can help provide clarity on your vision for the future while setting realistic steps for how to get there.
Look How Far You’ve Come
First and foremost, take notice of your accomplishments in 2023. Write down at least five wins and reflect on how you achieved those successes. It is important to recognize these achievements and how to build on them in the new year. Whether these were projects or tasks completed, you can always implement the process used in future endeavors.
Set Achievable 2024 Goals
Defining career objectives is a prime way to set yourself up for success in the new year. Take the time to identify the areas in which you want to grow, while recognizing the strengths you already possess that can help you get there. While creating these goals, be mindful that they are realistically obtainable in a year. For those that are not, make longer term timelines to reach those.
Define What Success Means to You
Everyone has a different definition of success, so clarify what it means and looks like to you. In an article on Inc., they write, “Having an overarching vision of what you want to achieve in your career over the next year is key. It establishes a foundational guide that you can consistently refer to in order to capitalize on opportunities and adapt to change.
Ask yourself:
- What does success look like a year from now? What will I be doing? How do I want to feel?
- Why is this vision of success important to me? How does it help me achieve my long-term goals?
- Is this future version of me aligned with my values and purpose?
Use your vision as a springboard to define three key objectives you need to achieve in the next 12 months in order to bridge the gap between today’s reality and your ideal future.”
Evaluate Your Work-Life Balance
Balance is key in all aspects, specifically in your work life. It is so easy to become wrapped up in projects and team members that you begin to neglect things outside of the office. Success is equally as important in your career as it is in your personal life, so evaluate how you are spending your free time, and reward your hard work with time off. This will ultimately decrease the possibility of being burnt out by the job, and remain successful in your role.