Your New Year’s Resolution: Getting Into Better “Career Shape”

If
you have not already done so, I encourage you to make 2011 a great year by
setting “S.M.A.R.T. Goals” pertaining to your career development. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-Sensitive. If it is not a S.M.A.R.T. Goal, it is
unlikely to be achieved. Write them
down on a Post-it Note and keep it close at hand, that way in the middle of the
year you can check your progress. Here’s
a sample of suggestions to help you to stay in shape.

1. I
resolve to manage my career better and to be more enthusiastic at work

2. I
resolve to read at least one career development book

3. I
resolve to start looking for a new job or career by exploring my options

4. I
resolve to further my education

5. I
resolve to improve the balance between my work and my family

6. I
resolve to stay in touch with my references

7. I
resolve to strengthen my interview skills

8. I
resolve to update my computer and technical skills

9. I
resolve to increase my network of contacts

10. I
resolve to update my resume

I’d
like to know what your top 3 goals for your professional development are for 2011. Send an email to my blog and perhaps it will
give other readers some ideas of what needs to change in the new year. I welcome your career questions.

Keep
Climbing,

Dr.
Tom