2009: Resolve to make it a great career year

By Dan Moran

Over the past few months, we have been deluged with news – news about our economy, jobs and more–news that has been very upsetting to many, and has raised a level of fear that I have never seen in my 20+ years of working with people in career transition. Fear is the great immobilizer. It stops people dead in their tracks. It affects personal and business results. It hurts relationships. It hurts one’s confidence.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the bad news – and to let that same news hold you back from looking forward with promise and from looking back to celebrate what you have achieved in 2008. It is so very important to “get above the noise” and make a careful reflection of where you have been and where you want to be – and then take positive, forward action to make it happen–action that is driven by a set of goals that you can measure to keep you on track.

How do you “get above the noise”?
Look back over 2008. Yes, you may have lost money in your 401K or other investments. Things may have changed in your workplace. Perhaps you feel your job is at risk. These may all be true. Your confidence may have been eroded as a result.
However, at the end of the day, when you look back over 2008 and think forward to the New Year, there are things that no one can take from you; things that you are in total command of.
No one can take away your skills, your experience, your education, your accomplishments or your passion.
To get above the noise – control what you can control. Focus on these valued assets and let the other things take their course. If you keep your focus on attaining your goals and going after what you are truly passionate about, you will move forward. You cannot change history – you cannot change what has happened over the past year – so let it go.

Above the “Noise”? What’s next?
1. Resolve to grow: If you are at the point in your career–when you know you are not passionate about what you do and you just go through the day-to-day, resolve to grow and take action to make this happen.
2. Plan to grow: You may have heard the quote, “You cannot manage what you cannot measure.” Having a clearly defined plan for your career or job change is critical – a plan that is inclusive of:
a. Getting an answer to the big question – what do I want to do in my career? It is very important that you have clear direction, clarity and focus on what you want to do in your career. If you can’t answer the question for yourself, get help from a career counselor. Without clarity, focus and direction, it will be almost impossible to move forward.
b. Timeline – Set a timeline, a definite date when you will make a move to a new job or career is important as well.
c. Tactics – With your direction and timeline, put the tactical tools in place. Update your resume and be sure it sells your skills talents and abilities. Create a list of contacts you want to get in touch with in your network. Research the ideal companies you want to work for. Create your online social network through LinkedIn, Facebook or other social networking sites. If you find you are having trouble putting this strategy and the tools together, again, get help.

Your attention to planning, as well as your ability to get above all the negative news is critical and will allow you to make 2009 a great year in your life!
Dan Moran is president & founder of Next-Act, a career management & transition firm located in Colonie. He specializes in helping people make career choices and seek new jobs. He is also a Certified Facilitator for Get Hired Now! and Get Clients Now! Programs, which help those in career transition and companies get results. You can reach him at 641.8968 or dmoran@next-act.com or visit www.next-act.com.