Making effective New Year career resolutions

It is customary for people to make resolutions around this time of the year. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions tend to be forgotten within a few weeks.

Still, every new year presents a great opportunity to plan afresh, set new objectives and rejuvenate yourself. It also coincides with the period during which most performance appraisals are concluded and major decisions on careers taken, and is a generally accepted transition period.

Powers that be

Most careers do not fail because of a lack of resolutions. Rather, it is because of the mistakes that are made in the process.

Some people do not take resolutions seriously. They approach them with a business-as-usual, casual attitude. No wonder they don’t get far in their jobs.

Other people don’t analyse matters deeply enough. Out of laziness or just sheer ignorance, they rush to make resolutions. For instance, before you decide to go back to school, ensure your motivation for choosing a certain course is right, otherwise it might end up being a waste of time and money.

Some will simply copy the resolutions of others just to fit in with their social circle. And yet others will make pronouncements to please the powers that be, even when they know they have no intention of keeping to them.

Finally, there are those who make resolutions in the heat of the moment only to turn around and water down their plans when the going gets rough.

Game plan

Career resolutions should never be a public relations exercise. While other people may benefit along the way from your actions, you stand to gain the most.

To succeed, you have to adopt the right game plan.

You must own all your decisions. Never make career resolutions for the sake of others. Before setting any goal, ensure you undertake an honest evaluation of the need for it and how it will serve your career.

Never rush into a decision. Take your time to look at the alternatives available and choose the best option. Where possible, engage the services of a qualified professional. This might save you the trouble of having to live with bad decisions.

Consult those who matter most in your life. This may include your boss or supervisor, career coach, mentor, family and close friends. However, do not present your resolutions for judgement in the court of public opinion. This is a sure way of never getting anything done.

And when it comes to implementation, ensure you are methodical in your approach. Do not rush things just to satisfy your ego. Steer clear of the temptation to take shortcuts. Do not be overly focused on your successes as this may throw you off course. In the same breath, be strong in the face of rough patches as you work on your resolutions.

Be conscious of people who might want to derail you along the way. Remember that not everyone who cheers you along is happy for your success.

Lastly, be ready for the costs that come with resolutions. These could be loss of cash, time or even friends. Keep in mind that nothing good things comes free.

The writer is a human resource specialist with Peoplelink Consultants Ltd. Email: [email protected]