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Intentionally Steer Your Career in 2018

With Santa about to steer his sleigh all over the world in the course of a few hours, surely we can set a goal to intentionally steer our careers in the new year. Resolving to take care of your career in 2018 can bring long-lasting, life-changing results, maybe even more than those personal resolutions that a quarter of us will break in the first week.

So let’s start steering!

Choose a career goal for 2018. Setting a career goal is key if you’ve been meandering down the road with no real control over your career. But even if you’ve been chasing a career goal, 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 different field? Steer toward a goal that is achievable, but that is also somewhat challenging.
Plot a roadmap to your goal. Remember, it’s time to steer—no more meandering aimlessly! Clearly outline the steps you will need to reach your goal, and the timeline for achieving each step. Think about the tools and skills you will need to take those steps. If you’re looking to promote, do you have the necessary educational degree? How can you improve your soft skills? Whom could you ask about a mentorship? If you need help plotting your journey, 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. They’re no Rudolph, but hey…
Incentivize yourself. You can’t travel as fast as Santa’s sleigh. So that tiny “I completed my goal!” light at the end of the tunnel can seem too distant to be motivating. And while saying “I did it!” will be the ultimate payoff for your hard work, what about rewarding yourself for meeting each step? (Even Santa incentivizes good behavior with gifts, right?) Choose rewards that motivate you, like treating yourself to a fancy dinner or a new pair of shoes, or planning a mountain hike or a Netflix binge. Be sure to enjoy those pats on the back as you follow your roadmap toward that bright—if not super tiny—light.

With a clear goal, a detailed roadmap, and stellar incentives, you’ll be on your way to intentionally, maybe even magically, steering your career in 2018!

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