With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, block off time to review your professional goals.
Are you on track to achieving what you want from your profession?
Most firms include goal setting as part of their annual review. However, it’s usually tied to performance.
And it may not incorporate a complete picture of your professional aspirations.
Whether or not your firm offers goal setting, take ownership of your career. Create your own professional goals and track your progress.
Further, use this information to engage in meaningful conversations with your manager, especially if you want more from your job.
Here are five items to consider as you create your goals to reach your professional aspirations.
1- Responsibilities:
Are you satisfied with your current level of responsibilities, or do you aspire to move into another role?
If the latter, have you started networking within your firm to let decision-makers know you want to do more?
Or maybe you need to pursue that role with another firm to get the opportunity you want?
2- Benefits:
Do you currently have benefits you want?
Do the health benefits and other benefits offered by your firm satisfy you?
Are you satisfied with your flextime? Or is this a point of negotiating with your manager?
If you want more income, discuss a salary increase with your manager. Concurrently, explore higher-paying roles at your firm.
3- Education:
Does attaining an advanced degree or additional training interest you?
Have you discussed with your firm’s human resources department what expenses they will cover?
If you invest your time and money into more education, how will you use it?
4- Connections:
How are you showcasing your expertise with your connections?
Do you attend networking events within your firm AND also with professional organizations?
Are you utilizing LinkedIn to stay relevant in your industry?
5- Motivation
Is your motivation wavering daily, disrupting your ability to focus on achieving your goals?
Have you tried streaming inspirational speakers or following them on social media?
Or maybe it’s time to hire a coach to help you focus on your goals.
Have you taken advantage of your firm’s mentoring program?
Or have you put together your own personal advisory board?
There are many ways for you to reach your professional aspirations. All you need to do is take action.
Stay PEF (positive, enthusiastic, and focused), and make 2024 your best year ever!
(Update to original post from April 25, 2018)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”