I’ve had several productive career conversations lately, with my clients and those within my network and many I’ve spoken to are in a reflective mood, myself included, especially as we head into the final month of the year. The common theme is that we are all feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be undertaken and achieved next year.
Many of us are aware of the need to “future proof” our careers, thanks to John Fitzgerald and also understand the importance of building a Personal Brand by finding ways to reinvent ourselves and remain relevant, courtesy of my fellow career coaches and our team at CCS.
When it comes to planning the next steps in our career and taking action, we are often faced with a multitude of decisions and options from which to choose, thus resulting in that overwhelming feeling of having too much to do. Before you know it, procrastination sets in, and we somehow find ourselves practicing the art of “doing nothing.”
To help break free of this feeling of stagnation, I’ve outlined some top tips, to make the career planning process a little easier and hopefully jump start your career planning into action, ready for the New Year.
Flourish Careers Planning Tips
Once you’ve reflected on the past 12 months, outline what’s important to you in your career.
If you’ve encountered setbacks and challenges, what did you learn from the experience? What helped you move on? What lessons can you utilize moving forward?
Note down some broad career aims and goals and then pop them into a SMART career action plan.
Identify who your “supporters” are. These are people inside and outside of workplace, who will hold you accountable and/or champion you to remain focused on completing your career goals.
Identify your key skills and strengths. What is your key point of difference and how can you articulate and demonstrate this within your workplace, your business, your network or with a potential employer?
Make a commitment to build on your professional and personal development. What new skill can you learn? How many “curious coffee” chats will you hold, to expand your knowledge? How can you keep up to date with the changes in your organisation and industry sector?
Create a Pinterest vision board, or create a manual one, depicting your future career successes. This will help to inspire and motivate you, as you work towards your goals.
Be flexible. Review your progress regularly and be willing to adapt and change your plan as required.
Also, don’t forget to treat yourself to a small reward for every successful milestone.
If you’d like to book your Flourish Careers Package or to find out more about your Flourish Careers Action Plan, please email: enquiries@flourishcareers.co.uk