With 2021 now at a close, it’s the perfect time of year to start looking forward to the year ahead and setting goals for success. As you set your personal resolutions, don’t forget to focus on your career aspirations for the coming year too.
From earning a promotion to taking the lead on a project or upping your skills in a specific area, there are plenty of career goals you can set for 2022. Below, nine members of Young Entrepreneur Council share their top tips for anyone who wants to crush their career goals in the year ahead.
1. Give Yourself Time And Space To Grow
Put yourself first. If you want to get ahead, you need to invest in yourself and give yourself the time and space you need to grow as a professional and an individual. If you’re burning out, give yourself permission to take on fewer responsibilities. Get yourself right, then tackle your goals later on with a clear head and a higher motivation. – Tyler Gallagher, Regal Assets
2. Use Automation To Optimize Your Workflow
Find automation opportunities. From advanced software down to keyboard shortcuts, there are a number of ways you can save time and optimize your workflow. While learning a new skill is always nice, actually budgeting time to do so while also applying it can be challenging. Instead, start by freeing up your schedule with automation and shortcuts. Then you’ll have all the time to build new skills. – Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep Mattress
3. Stick To A Routine
Don’t wake up to just “get through the day.” Have a set routine and strict schedule. That schedule can consist of “free time” and “family time,” but, most importantly, it has to carve out work time to achieve specific goals. It’s too easy to get caught up in emails or social media. An hour spent on furthering your career versus a YouTube binge pays dividends throughout the year! – Bill Mulholland, ARC Relocation
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4. Break Down Bigger Goals Into Smaller Ones
When it comes to crushing your goals, always think micro and not macro. It’s tempting to dream big and fantasize about the outcome. But when it comes to the results, it’s always good to start with small actions. So, break down all your bigger tasks into smaller ones. Completing these smaller tasks will make you feel more accomplished and motivate you to continue moving ahead and crush it. – Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
5. Have A Vision For The Long Term
When it comes to goals, it is always best to ask yourself, “Is this in line with my long-term vision?” When you have a vision, it takes into account the entire body of work and a goal is simply a milestone to celebrate. If you have no vision, you can take any road you want because they all lead to the same place—nowhere! Vision will keep your hope alive through all circumstances. – Kelly Cardenas, Kelly Cardenas
6. Reward Yourself For Achievements
Reward yourself for your goals in the long, medium and short term. Rewarding yourself for your important achievements—from the smallest to the largest—with something you want to have, an experience you want to live or a new place you want to know will motivate you and balance work with the time you must dedicate to yourself. Remember that neglecting yourself can be unhealthy for you. – Kevin Ryan Tao, NeuEve
7. Plan SMART Goals And Measure Your Progress
Planning SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and timely) goals and measuring your progress every step of the way is the best way to improve your skills, get a promotion/raise or start a business. Keeping your goals top of mind can help make it easier to attain them. – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
8. Connect With A Mentor
If you want to crush your career goals, I suggest looking for a mentor. Odds are, there’s someone out there who succeeded in what you’re trying to do right now. If you can connect with one of these people, they may be willing to offer you helpful advice that you can use to reach your goals. I recommend looking for potential mentors on social sites like LinkedIn. – John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC
9. Make Time For What Makes You Happy
Make time for what makes you happy and passionate. A common mistake many people make is having a mindset of hustling more to look busy. The thing is, too much busyness will cause us to burn out and lose our creativity and passion in the long run. Making time for yourself gives you a motivation boost and unlimited joy that will cause you to happily work harder and be better. – Daisy Jing, Banish