It’s estimated that 90 percent of our daily lives is spent doing routine tasks. But habit can be a bad thing, because “if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep on getting what you’ve always got.”
One of the most important things you can do is to take time to plan your career roadmap for 2014. Whether you want to change jobs — or careers — in the new year, or simply get more out of your current job, a career plan is essential to helping you reach your goals.
There are five steps in this roadmap and we'll tackle each one over the next 5 weeks. If you want your life to be different in 2014, especially your career, take the time to work on your career roadmap. Or you might devote a few hours to planning where you want to be on New Year’s Day 2015. If you want your life to be different in 2014. In either case, take the time to work on your career roadmap.
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Step One: Take Stock
The first step is to assess where you are. To figure out where you’re going, you must first look at where you’ve been.
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Here are some questions to help you assess where you are:
- What are you most proud of this past year — personally, and professionally
- What went right this year?
- Did you receive any awards or recognition this year?
- Did you take on any additional responsibility this year? If so, what?
- How did you take initiative in your job this year?
- Have you learned any new skills?
- Did you earn any certifications or licenses?
Record this information in a success journal. This can be a Microsoft Word file on your computer, a note in Evernote, a series of emails you send to yourself (be sure to use email tags so you’re able to find the emails again!), or even a physical notebook. And in the coming year, take time to record your accomplishments as you go through the year instead of waiting until the end of the year.
Next, look at opportunities for improvement in your career. How does your salary stack up against your peers? Is your current position in alignment with your priorities and your core values? Where is change needed?
Download this worksheet as you go through each step developing your 2014 Career Roadmap.
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New Leaf Career Solutions is a career consulting boutique that redefines individuals and small businesses professional brands. New Leaf partners with each client to provide quality résumés, cover letters, bios, brochures and much more. Visit newleafcareersolutions.com to schedule an appointment. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips. Call today to turn over a New Leaf !!
