Make This The Year…
Happy New Year! I like to use the new year as a time to reflect on the year that just passed. What a year it was! If you watched any of the news programs do a year in review it was mind-boggling. Barack Obama succeeded George Bush as president. Michael Jackson and Walter Cronkite were silenced. We the people bailed out the banks, a mega insurance company and the automobile industry even though we had double digit unemployment and upside down mortgages. But as Sonny and Cher sang in the 60’s, “…and the beat goes on.”
It is now officially 2010. If you are employed, instead of making resolutions, make this the year for action. Adopt the Nike motto, “just do it!” Use the words; make this the year, as your springboard to a more fulfilling career. Try the following action statements on for size.
Make this the year …
- I take charge of my career
- I self-evaluate my performance over the last twelve months
- I increase work behaviors that net positive results
- I relinquish work behaviors and attitudes that produce negative outcomes
- I increase my career value by sharpening my skill sets
- I seek a mentor or I become a mentor depending on my professional needs
- I create a portfolio to showcase my various talents
- I model ethical work behavior
- I manage up and down to create a more inclusive workplace
Now that I’ve got your motor running and you are at the starting gate do you need some direction? You may be wondering, how do I take charge of my career? For starters make this the year you decide to discover the right career for you. Do an honest assessment of your current position and examine your skill sets to determine compatibility. Ask yourself if you are earning a living or enjoying the work with the pay as the reward? Your answer will determine your next step. Stay at your current position and grow if you love what you do. If you are discontent; reassess, network, return to school, seek other employment, or readjust your career strategy.
Consider the following reading material to assist you with strategies to take charge of your career.
And if reading makes you dizzy, try a night out at the movies. Go see Up In the Air with George Clooney. He gives a valid demonstration of how to take charge of your career.
Make this the year you succeed!
*** All titles are available through APLS Online Store.
