By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting
Some may wonder about the value of New Year’s resolutions because it’s easy to get discouraged or lose sight of goals after the New Year momentum blows over. However, after finding statistics that show 39 percent of people in their 20s achieve their New Year’s resolutions each year and that self-improvement/education goals are among the most popular, I realized that there is great potential for young professionals who set career goals for 2013 to succeed. The following is a collection of the resolutions I found to be most inspiring and wanted to share with other young professionals.
Start an accomplishment jar
One of the most popular resolutions/ideas I have seen this year is starting a “memory jar” full of great things that happened during the year, to be reflected on the next New Year’s. I propose a similar jar for your career accomplishments. From the everyday knowledge you acquire that increases efficiency, to the major milestones like promotions, a memory jar will help you capture these moments and tools for yourself. When it comes time to apply for a new job or promotion, or you’re feeling stuck in a rut, use your jar to refresh your outlook.
Revise your resume
Even if you are currently employed and have no plans to leave your job any time soon, your resume is an invaluable tool that should be kept current—this document is perfect to track achievements for performance reviews and to set new goals. Alison Green suggests in her New Year’s resolutions blog that resumes that focus on achievements rather than job tasks are the cure for the average “bland and uninspiring” resume. HINT: When revising your resume for a particular job or review, look back on achievements from your jar.
Keep current on trends in the sector
Make a commitment to stay up to date on important events and exciting trends in the sector that you can incorporate into your work. Some of my favorite sources are the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Mashable and the Denver YNPN listserv. Also, check out JVA’s News in the Sector in our 411 newsletter each week for a quick nonprofit news round-up.
Stick with it
If you plan to make New Year’s resolutions this year, there are ways to make your goals more interesting and fun so you stick with them. One suggestion from Entrepreneur.com is to create a visual representation of your goals that will serve as a constant reminder. Creating goals that are specific and measurable is another great way to make sure you follow through with your resolutions, says another blog. If you do experience hiccups in carrying out your resolutions, remember that change and growth take time. Just because you experience setbacks doesn’t mean you can’t start anew with your goals any day of the year. Examine why you didn’t follow through with your goals, adapt them and try, try again. Best wishes this New Year!
Do you plan to make New Year’s resolutions? What are some of the resolutions you have made for 2013?
These are great goals for the new year! I’ve used a “motivation jar” with high school students for similar purposes. The jar includes inspirational quotes, brief journal entries on times they have felt really smart, and images that remind them of their goals, which we set at the beginning of the school year. It’s a helpful tool for positive reflection when stress and the temptation to procrastinate hit right before finals.
As for the visual representation of goals, I love this post from Yes and Yes called “Goal-Making Made Gorgeous”- I’m guessing many young professionals would love to improve their home decor, so this project hits two resolutions in one! http://www.yesandyes.org/2013/01/goal-making-made-gorgeous.html
Thank you Alicia! I love that the motivation jar works for the students and that you incorporate so many different motivational tools like images and quotes (great ideas!). Also, a big thanks for sharing more resources.