With Rudolph soon to retire for another season, Santa’s hands will be free to take the reins of another critical task: setting his business goals for the coming year. He’s already asking if his infrastructure can support an increased level of production, if the elves have an appropriate compensation package, and if taking a few inches off his waistline will increase the sleigh’s maximum speed. And he isn’t the only one prepping for the new year: many of us are already planning the usual personal goals to lose weight, exercise, or save more money. But what about your business goals? Resolving to take care of your career in 2015 can bring long-lasting, life-changing results, maybe even more than those personal resolutions that 25 percent of us will break in the first week.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Select a career goal for 2015. Setting a career goal is especially important if you’ve been letting the current carry you, with no real control over your career. But even if you’ve been following a career goal, now is the time to dust it off and see how it’s working for you. It might be time to make some changes. Do you want to take on more responsibilities or promote? Do you want to learn new skills or take steps to enter a new field? Shoot for a goal that is achievable, but that is also somewhat challenging.
2. Draw a roadmap to your goal. Clearly outline the steps you will need to take to reach your goal, and the timeline for achieving each step. After all, a goal without a plan is just a wish! Think about any tools or skills you will need to move forward. If you’re looking to promote to a management position, do you have the necessary educational degree? What training courses can you take for professional development? Whom can you talk to for advice or mentoring? If you need a hand building your roadmap, consider speaking to a supervisor or an HR representative. These people will often be supportive of your career goals and may be willing to help guide you there.
3. Set an incentive structure. Although we’d like to believe otherwise, the tiny “I did it!” light at the end of the tunnel can seem too far away to be very motivating. And while saying “I did it!” will be the ultimate payoff for your hard work, what about offering yourself incentives for meeting each step? Choose incentives that motivate you. This may mean buying yourself an ice-cream cone or a new scarf, treating yourself to a movie in the theatre, spending a day at the beach—you name it. Be sure to give yourself those special pats on the back as you follow your roadmap toward the light.

With a clear goal, a detailed roadmap, and the proper incentive, you’ll be on your way to taking the reins of your career in 2015!