With the end of the year in sight this is a great opportunity before the holiday season, to reflect on past successes and make plans for 2009. Although many people I speak to are concerned about economic uncertainty and what this means for their business and jobs next year, it pays to manage your future career prospects whatever your current situation. Job security is increasingly dependent on your employability and the ability to be aware of opportunities. Aim to be proactive and vigilant as you move into the New Year.
As you reflect on 2008 ask yourself:
What did I learn about myself? Are you more aware of your values, interests and strengths? How might you use these in shaping your future work?
What new skills and knowledge did I acquire? Did you attend any development courses or study programmes. Were you able to get involved in new projects, assignments or initiatives at work that expanded your capabilities?
What new relationships and contacts have I developed? Are there new people in your life that you can support and who can support you? How do you want to develop these relationships next year; perhaps by working together, sharing ideas, attending events or developing new business opportunities?
How close am I to living the life of my dreams and doing the work I love? What will you need to take action on to move you closer towards your goals?
What am I most proud of? Write down all your achievements over the year so that you can easily refer to these when speaking to your manager, clients or colleagues.
What am I going to do differently next year? Have there been any lessons learned over the past year that you can use to become even more successful in 2009?
The only way to get what you want is to know what you want and the only way to know that is to know yourself. And how do you do that? You have to listen to your heart. Dare to be curious and explore what it is. Try on new ideas, investigate things you haven't tried before and in the spirit of curiosity see what might be calling you.
Anyone who has ever dared to reach for the stars will know that having faith in a dream demands courage and patience. When all around you de-cry your goals or undermine your belief it takes tenacity and will to keep the dream alive.
But just think of the rewards.
As 2008 draws to a close, now is a good time to reflect on the past year and clarify what it is you really want to be, do or achieve in the coming year. Are you ready to reach for the stars in 2009?
