Yep, folks, it’s that time again--a time to set resolutions which we seem to assume we won’t keep, a time to think about really getting the job of our dreams. Here are some ideas/steps for making 2008 the best year of your career. So, why not take 2-3 hours to think about how you can make 2008 the year of your career.
Acknowledge the Accomplishments of 2008
Begin by reviewing what really worked for you in 2008. What were your triumphs? What did you do that you were really proud of? Did you get a new account? Increase your sales? Streamline the systems in your job? What did you enjoy doing during the year? Identify the parts of the job that you really got a buzz out of. Write them all down. The chances are you will begin to remember triumphs and achievements that you had forgotten. Acknowledge them. Even if you think you had no triumphs--you survived without getting fired--that counts, as well.
Identify Your Strengths – Know What You are Good At
What do you do really well? What do you do so well that it’s effortless for you and you assume any plonker could do it? What do other people give you really positive feedback on? These are some keys to your strengths. Another useful way to identify your own strengths is to take some of the psychometric tests available. Some of the better known ones are: DISC, Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram. Do a google for any of them, and you should be able to do one online free or for a reasonable price. Self-knowledge is a key component of finding your dream career. Knowing what you are not so good at is useful, as well.
Where Can You Contribute? Make the Present Better
Given that it’s unlikely that you will have an invite on Monday morning to your new job, what can you do in the meantime to improve your contribution to your current position. You could begin by simply asking your boss how you can serve the organization better. Admittedly he/she could be gobsmacked at first, but they probably will then be impressed, and this could help improve your relationship with them. Can you be kinder to other people in the office? What would be the one thing you could do in your job that would raise your game? How could you bring some of the strengths that you have identified to your current position? Are there any openings within the company where you could use these strengths? Could you reach out a helping hand to someone else? What can YOU do to make your workplace a better one for everyone?
Dream It and Then Do It
Imagine yourself a year from now in your dream job. Write down what you will be doing, what sort of environment you will be working in. Will you be working outdoors? In an office? Be as detailed as possible. Now, do you know anyone doing a job like this? See if you can organize to meet them. Ask your friends if they know anyone. People are generally very helpful. Ask if you can interview them about the positives and negatives of their position. This will give you a more realistic picture. Laura Berman Fortgang in her book Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction has an excellent section on this.
Paralysis by Perfection
One thing I hear from a lot of my clients is that they want to be sure this is the “right" job they will move to, they want to be sure they have identified the “right" career for them. And in the meantime, they moan and groan about their current position and agonize over what their “perfect" career might be. In our current world, you will probably change careers 4-5 times anyway, and you will learn something from every career choice. Identify what you want, what’s non-negotiable for you, and if you get 100% of that and 80% of the rest and your gut feeling is good--go for it. Life is constantly presenting new opportunities and getting a new job is not for life: unlike a dog or a marriage.
No matter what you seek, how can you ever be successful in accomplishing the things you want without knowing the meaning of success?
Here's my secret seven-step plan to assist you in understanding and internalizing the true meaning of success. Follow these steps everyday and you will make far more progress and increase your odds of success manifold.
1) Self Discipline - Those who have the ability to do what is required without needing to be poked, prodded or ordered to by someone else will win every time. Gain control of your mind, body and emotions by developing your self mastery skills. As Yoda from the Star Wars films said, "Do, or do not, there is no try".
2) United, Strong Support System - Success leaves clues. Locate and develop a strong network of trusted and successful associates that you can rely on 100% to give you honest, productive feedback as you navigate the roads on your success journey. And, be sure to ignore "the Naysayer's", the people who will always be around to criticize, create chaos or try to distract or detract you and knock you off course.
3) Courage - You need to develop the confidence and courage that allows your mind to use its maximum power and potentia - in any circumstance. You must have the courage to overcome the fear of asking for what you want or the answer will always be no.
4) Commitment - If anything is worth doing, then only a 110% effort will be acceptable. When your mind properly concentrates and focuses on your wants, all the vital energy of every bodily cell is directed into one channel generating a powerful personal influence. Every one of us is made up of 10 trillion cells. Each one of these has a center where life and energy are generated and stored up. If your energy is not conserved and controlled, but instead wasted on petty, stupid things, you can not become more effective, productive and influential. Your brain is the reservoir of all your energy. Most persons have all the dynamic energy they need, if they would just concentrate it. They have the capability, but they must also have the "director" to focus it and then channel it appropriately, or they will not go very far. The person that does not develop his "director" skills will not reach the levels in life that he is capable of. The good director controls his every act. With every thing you do, you either advance or lose valuable ground.
5) Enthusiasm / Energy - Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the following two scenarios. In the first, imagine yourself starting each day without clarity of purpose and a lack of direction. Can you feel how tired and unfocused you will be, not only for that day, but for each day that follows?
Now imagine yourself with a sense of purpose and the emotion and desire for achievement. Can you feel how this will give you more enthusiasm, excitement and energy to tackle any challenge? Enthusiasm, excitement and energy are boundless when you develop and engineer clearly-defined goals and a sense of direction.
6) Self Respect (and respect of others) - When you concentrate the full power of your mind to improve the "you" or real self, and its wonderful possibilities, the result is that you develop concentration and self esteem. By doing this systematically you develop more power, because you can not be systematic without concentrating on what you are doing.
7) Stick-To-It-Tive-Ness - No matter how long the journey on your success quest. No matter how many potholes, detours, and other obstacles are in your way. Those who have the will to do and perseverance to stay the course will win the game. It is said that Edison tried over 900 different components unsuccessfully before coming up with his working version of the light bulb. Be tenacious and persevere.
Use my proven seven-step success plan in your life and acheive far more than you ever dreamed possible in 2009.
Both Anne Walsh & Keith Shaw are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Anne Walsh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Management, self improvement and motivation and Self Improvement and Motivation. Anne Walsh is a life coach based in Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. You can sign up for her free newsletter Bring your best self to light at www.annewalshcoach.com which will give you tips, hints and ideas as to how to generate more personal and professio. Anne Walsh's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.