FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS FOR 2021
Every new year usually starts with resolutions but with a new lockdown starting, it would be easy to drift into 2021 without any clear personal goals – after all, what can we do when everything already seems pre-determined by the coronavirus? We have to remember, that this WILL go away, the vaccine WILL make a difference, and in a relatively few months, life WILL start to return to something like normal. So don’t lose sight of what your own PERSONAL goals should look like, and if your new year’s resolution should be to push your career to that next level, we want to help you, and here are some top tips to turn things around and make 2021 your year.
REFLECT ON 2020
Last year more than most you’ve probably had more time than usual to reflect on where you find yourself in your career. Are you working for the right company? Do you feel challenged and motivated by your current job? How has this past year’s difficulties helped you to develop as a person?
SWOT YOURSELF!
It’s the hardest thing to do for yourself, but really analysing what are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats can help you understand what the next steps should be in your career. Are you maximising your strengths in your current job and how are you going make the best of your opportunities? If you have a weakness or a potential threat in your life, be aware of them. Identify how you could turn them into strengths and opportunities – perhaps by additional training or mentoring support.
WHO ARE YOUR BUSINESS IDOLS?
Who in the business world motivates you because they are just so damn good at their job? This may be an entrepreneur like Richard Branson or it could a work colleague or perhaps even your manager? How have they earned your admiration and what can you learn from them? If you can’t think of anyone, take a look on LinkedIn or Facebook at successful businesses or people working in your dream role. Follow them on twitter and research them thoroughly. It’s a great way to self-mentor and develop without any cost attached.
CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION
In order to achieve goals in business, every company will produce an annual business plan. It’s a roadmap for each business to make sure they are sticking to the plan and achieving the goals that have been set, so why would you not create your own personal business plan?
SET YOURSELF CLEAR GOALS
Set yourself 3-5 clear and realistic goals and make sure you identify step by step targets in order to achieve these goals. Utility people have developed a Goals Planner which you can find within this eBook and which you can use to help you achieve your 2021 aspirations. Put these goals somewhere obvious where you will see them daily – your bedroom wall, your phone/laptop screensaver or your mirror – anywhere that will constantly remind you of who you want to be and how you’re going to get there.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
As well as attending events that will help you get your name out there, ensure you are a LinkedIn Guru. Firstly, is your LinkedIn profile up to date and full of detail, just like your CV? Do you have colleagues that can endorse you? Can you ask past employers or customers to write a review for you? Secondly join focus groups on LinkedIn and other sites that are related to your business and skillset. Form opinions on important industry topics and comment on discussions, why not start your own discussions and get your name out there as someone who knows what they are talking about.
CONTINUOUS SELF-ASSESMENT
Every month check your personal plan and ensure you are on target with the goals you have set yourself. If you are behind, set yourself more manageable targets to achieve your goals and remember to reward yourself every time you get a step closer to the end result.
VISUALISE THE END RESULT
The most important part of your journey is to continuously visualise yourself this time next year when your goals are achieved. How you will feel? What will it mean to you? Remember if you work at your goals you WILL be in that role you desire, and you WILL be successful.
According to research, visualisation works because the neurons in the brain interpret imagery as the equivalent to a real-life action. When we visualise our future, the brain generates an impulse that tells our brain to actually perform this action. So visualise away!
Finally remember the only person who can create your success is YOU. Good Luck on reaching your goals this year, go make 2021 the year you achieve your dreams.
