Following Through on Your Career Resolutions

It's easy to say you're going to ask for a raise. Earn a promotion. Find a better job.

It's much, much harder to make these statements a reality. Why? Because following through on commitments requires hard work--and lots of it.

Like most New Year's resolutions, career goals often fall by the wayside once February hits. The daily pressures of life and work make it difficult to stay disciplined and motivated.

So if you find yourself faltering, remember how much thought and effort you put into setting your career goals for 2014. Then rededicate yourself. Use these tips from PrideStaff to stick to the career resolutions you've made:

• Frequently revisit your short-term objectives. Just as a map keeps you on course when you're traveling somewhere unfamiliar, your short-term objectives keep you on track to achieve your career goals. So keep your eye on the prize! Display your short-term objectives and overall career goals somewhere you can review them frequently. The constant reminder will help you refocus your efforts and rededicate yourself when your motivation, discipline or self-confidence is in short supply.
• Detail the specifics. Now that you've had a few weeks to think about the goals you've set, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Figure out the specific steps you must take throughout the year to make each goal a reality. For example, if you want a raise, you know you're going to have to take on more responsibility at work. Detail 10 ways you could show more initiative or otherwise exceed your supervisor's expectations--and then develop a plan (including a timeline) for actually doing them.
• Track your progress. Keep a record of the little things you accomplish every day in support of your overall goals--and reward yourself frequently for your progress. A marathon is run one stride at a time; your career goals ultimately will be reached one small, positive action at a time. So every time you make an extra phone call, respond to an additional job posting or work an extra 30 minutes, write it down--and then give yourself a pat on the back. When you're having a bad day, you can take a look at your list and feel better about what you've accomplished.
• Be patient. If your career goals were easy, you would've achieved them already, right? So don't expect that raise or promotion to just magically appear on your desk. Realize that, whatever goal you've set for yourself, you're going to have to earn it--and that's going to take some time. Be patient with yourself, and focus on accomplishing the tasks that will bring you one step closer to your goal.