It is amazing how we have grown so reliant on technology and how we consult an app before completing a simple task. We live in an era where distraction is allowed and even encouraged. How about giving yourself a break from all the distractions?
As you pause and reflect on the achievements and learnings in 2014, set aside some time to think about your career resolutions for 2015. Career planning requires a true ‘you’ moment without texts, emails, nonstop notifications, random googling, or yet another Youtube video. Trust me, you’ll have the chance to research online after you finish this exercise.
Whether you’re in transition, wanting a promotion, changing your career path, or simply happy in your current role, your career will thrive with mindful planning and execution. No one cares about your career like you do. In order to realize your potential, you have to set and own your goals. When you truly take advantage of the science of goals, you’ll get to where you want to be in no time.
When you’re ready to think long and hard, turn off your phone, tablet, and computer. Get a notebook (that’s made out of paper) and a pen. Go to a quiet room without interruptions from people or pets. Then, let your mind flow and start writing down your thoughts.
1. Know thyself. Your first step is to become more self-aware.
- What are the differences between what you want and what you’re good at?
- What are the differences between what drives you and what gives you satisfaction?
- What are your values?
2. Ideas for 2015. Here comes the fun part.
- What do you need to start, change, develop, grow, succeed, or retire at both micro and macro level?
3. Prioritization. Look at your ideas and focus on the most urgent and important matters that will affect your career. List items by urgency and importance for a better picture on what to do next.
- Use the 10/10/10 rule by Suzy Welch to evaluate the impacts of each priority and write down your decided priorities.
How will you feel about the decision 10 minutes from now?
How about 10 months from now?
How about 10 years from now?
- Compare your values and priorities. Identify and write down the differences between your values and priorities.
4. Reality check. It is only a dream until you make it happen.
- Having measured the differences between what you want and what you’re able to do, between what drives you and what satisfies you, and between your values and those of your environments, are you able to overcome those differences?
If your answer is yes, proceed. If not, repeat the previous steps.
5. Closing the gaps. You’re almost there. You’ve identified the roadblocks to your success; now it’s time to finalize your 2015 career resolutions.
- What are the resources (who and what) you need to overcome those differences?
- What are the actions (where, when and how) you need to overcome those differences?
6. Showtime. Congrats, you just created the ultimate guide to achieve your career resolutions.
You can download a print-friendly worksheet via this link. Hope you enjoy this career planning exercise. Wish everyone a happy new year!
This article is an adaptation of Warren Bennis‘ four-question test for people seeking success.
KUNG PAO HUSTLE 