The year of 2010 has come to a close. For those of you who had a tough year, let’s make 2011 the time to reset! Getting yourself out of the Career Hot Seat in 2011 is going to require a little kick in the butt! So, here’s a list of 10 straight-up “resolutions” for 2011 that should get your career/job search back on track:
1 ) Look in the Mirror: Ask yourself, “who am I and what do I have to offer?” Take the time to really consider what it is that sets you apart from your competition. Carl Jung once said “who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakens.”
2 ) Reminisce on Five Positives: Create a list of 5 personal or professional accomplishments you had in 2010. Think about what they mean to you and how they can be of value in 2011. Don’t ever forget how valuable you are!
3 ) Face Three Negatives: We can all use a good hard look in the mirror from time-to-time. Be sure to step back and think about 3 mistakes you made in 2010 and how not to make them again!
4 ) Read One New Book: Get a hold of a good career/self-help book (The YOU Plan perhaps) and start the New Year off with the right mindset.
5 ) Join One Group: If you want to be a serious player you must get in the game. Join your local professional association, business council, chamber of commerce, or community organization!
6 ) Update LinkedIn and Facebook: Check all of your social media profiles, links, postings, and pictures to make sure they are up-to-date and accurately reflect the 2011 version of YOU!!!
7 ) Make 12 New Friends: The world revolves around relationships, so get out there and start making friends. Go for one new contact per month and be sure to maintain that relationship.
8 ) Take One Risk: Find a way to make your life or career search more rewarding by contributing in a way you never have before. Volunteer to speak at your local professional association, contribute a white paper, attend an event you’ve never been to, or ask to guest post for an industry blog. Find a unique way to step out and enhance your stature.
9 ) Set Lofty Goals: If you don’t shoot for the moon, you’ll never get there! Develop a list of weekly and monthly milestones for your job search and/or general career development. Don’t end the year in the same exact place you’re in now.
10 ) Make a YOU Plan: Coaches have game plans, pilots have flight plans, so why don’t you have a career plan? If you want to get out of the Career Hot Seat and back into the game you are going to have to make a plan, a YOU Plan! Don’t go into 2011 just winging it!
Cheers to 2011!
Dr. Woody
