Oh, I see it’s getting to be that time of year again.
A new year.
Resolutions.
Big, hairy, audacious goals and all that.
Of course, there’s no reason to only set goals at the start of a new year. But for some reason we see it as a logical time to do so.
Maybe you are looking for your next gig. Or perhaps you’re working up to a super level of competency in the gig that you have.
No matter, it’s a great time to reflect on what’s working well, and what you can do more effectively.
As you think about the 12 months ahead, here are a few simple resolutions that will help you grow as a new professional. Or a professional of any age, actually.
1. I will learn my job – all of it.
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We have a tendency to focus on doing the stuff that we are naturally good at, we like, and find easy to do. It goes with my theory of how we love to take the path of least resistance.
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Next year, defy that tendency!
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What are the more challenging parts of your job that you avoid, and what can you do to focus on them next year?
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Maybe you need to learn more about your company’s products.
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Maybe you need to enhance your technical or industry knowledge. Perhaps a better understanding of the organization’s financials would enhance your career or job satisfaction.
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Action step:
What’s the part of your job you’d like to ignore, but really shouldn’t? Set one specific goal for improving in those areas, and identify what steps you can take to do so.
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2. I will practice the stuff I don’t like doing.
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Do you dread facilitating meetings, dealing with the annoying guy in marketing, or handling an issue for an angry customer?
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Resolve not just to tolerate those things, but also to tackle them with gusto! Let your boss know these are things you need – and want – to work on.
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This is a great way to take initiative in managing your own development! Which, by the way are like chips you can cash in with your manager at evaluation time.
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Action step:
Look back at the past year, determine what your rough edges were, and put those on the list for polishing in 2015.
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3. I will keep trying, even when I fail.
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So you tried to have a difficult conversation with a co-worker, and it didn’t go so well. Or you didn’t close the first sale. Try again.
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And again.
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And one more time, if necessary.
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There is no substitute for experience. Each time you’ll improve. Taking more shots gives you the experience to see what works and what doesn’t. Then you get better. That builds skill, and confidence.
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Action step:
Whatever scared you off last year, regroup, ask for feedback, and plan new approaches with what you’ve learned.
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4. I will not be limited by where I am.
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Not in your dream job? It’s OK. (Is there a dream job?) In nearly any situation, you must find ways to develop, learn, and grow.
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I challenge you to find skills that you want to learn, knowledge you want to acquire, and experience you want to gain in this coming year.
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It’s possible your learning may come from your job, but it will never be the only source. Explore outside your job (volunteer work, leadership, classes, joining groups, networking) as well.
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Action step:
Identify three key areas of skill, knowledge, or experience where you’d like to expand in 2015, and determine the steps you can take to acquire those self-enhancements.
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5. I will take weekly stock of my progress and learning.
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If you were a business, you would take some kind of weekly inventory. It’s how you take stock of your assets and determine the value of your business. Doing so tells you where you are on the road map, versus where you should be.
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Well, in a way, you ARE a business! Aren’t we all kind of self-employed, contracting with our employers?
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Action step:
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Start a new habit in 2015. Conduct a “weekly recall” to document your progress on an ongoing basis.
Set aside an hour of personal time on the same day each week to block off your calendar and reflect on the week. Document what you are noticing. This makes it easy to see how you are making progress and adding value, and where you need to course correct.
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6. I will not give up without a fight, er … strongly advocating for what I need in the workplace.
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It was recently reported that nearly 70% of GenYer’s depart their first job in two years. An entire industry has cropped up to teach companies how to deal with GenYer’s in the workplace. Clearly organizations have some work to do here.
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If you’re tempted to run because you’re frustrated by the organization that employs you, consider this: as a young professional, you have an unprecedented opportunity to change that organization from the inside, from the ground up.
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Action step:
Rather than flee, I encourage you to advocate for what you need from your manager, your team, and your organization (professionally and respectfully, of course). You have such an opportunity to lead from where you are, like no generation before you.
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Easy? No, of course not. But nothing worth it ever is. However, learning to advocate for yourself in the workplace will give you practice in skills and efficacy in self-leadership that will serve you well throughout your career.
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So before you leap, look at what options you really have to make a difference.
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This post was published earlier and updated in September 2019. ; )
Image: Canva.com
nathanmporter Thanks very much for saying Nathan, much appreciated!
LeaMcLeod Your welcome!! Every young person needs to read your article!! #goodadvice