2023 has arrived, and many of us are contemplating goals for this year and beyond. It's important to set goals because if you don't, it's like trying to get somewhere without putting directions into a GPS. Goal setting requires structure, and using the start of a new year to reflect on progress and set new goals is great for this. Here are six tips to help you think about setting career goals for 2023 and beyond.
1. Look back on the past
If you put the right ingredients into the goals, something will happen on the other side, even if it’s not what you initially set out to achieve. When coming up with new professional goals for this year, looking back on the past might be a good motivator. Consider your prior successes, obstacles you've conquered, and other important career milestones. Consider what worked and what didn't, and how you may change going forward.
2. Have a growth mindset
Being consistent right now is not a growth mentality. It involves having a mindset that acknowledges the necessity of growth. Use words such as “improve,” “become,” and “develop” as you write out your goals.
3. Make room for your personal life
Your efforts to attain work-life balance may seem impossible and be a large part of your overwhelm when trying to achieve career goals. If this is the case, try changing your goals to accommodate your personal demands or make personal changes that create more space to work on career goals.
4. Set small and big goals
Consider the smaller goals you can achieve between where you are and where you want to be in your career when larger ones seem too overwhelming. Small steps lead to significant achievements.
Here's how to write S.M.A.R.T. goals:
The S.M.A.R.T. goal framework is an excellent way to establish career goals you can accomplish.
Specific: What will be accomplished? What actions will you take?
Measurable: What data will measure the goal?
Achievable: Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary resources and skills?
Realistic: How does the goal align with broader goals? Why is the result significant?
Time-bound: What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal?
5. Be willing to adjust to change
Sometimes the best career decisions come from unexpected directions. As you work toward your ultimate career goals, be open to saying “yes” to unforeseen opportunities if they could improve your connections to other professionals or shore up your skills in a particular area.
6. Stay true to your values
When you're stressed out, it could be tempting to rationalize choices that go against your core beliefs. For instance, if one of your values is to limit travel due to family duties, you might be tempted by a job offer that offers a significant pay boost despite the requirement to travel more. Don't allow financial stress to overrule your essential values in such a situation; at the very least, re-examine your core beliefs and carefully consider whether getting a pay raise is more important than staying near to home.
The world has undoubtedly undergone significant change over the past few years, but you can still be in control of your life and your profession. No matter what happens on the international stage, you'll position yourself for success in the following year by setting goals that are important to you and following through with the steps required to achieve them.
We would love to hear the goals you are working towards this semester. Drop them in the comments below!
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