5 New Year’s Resolutions for Career Success in 2011

Now that the holiday festivities, and holiday hangovers for that matter, have passed, it’s time to gear up for the New Year.

New Year’s resolutions should always be a personal thing, but when it comes to career and business success, here are five general tips that can benefit anyone.

“Those who look outward dream, those who look inward awaken.”

Success always comes from within and it’s up to you to take that hard look in the mirror and really challenge yourself--don’t expect anyone to do it for you. Take some personal time this weekend to sit down at your local coffee shop and really lay out what worked for you in 2010 and what didn’t. Acknowledge the three biggest mistakes you made in 2010, learn from them, and put them behind you. Also, think about the three best moves you made in 2010, embrace them and try to figure out how to replicate them in 2011.

Upgrade Your Top Three Strengths: According to a recent Manpower survey, 84% of employees will be looking to make a change in 2011. This means competition is going to become even more fierce, so it’s up to you to find a way to stand out. The best route to success is taking what you are good at and building on it.

Take time to consider what you really do well and focus your attention there. Identify three core skills that define you and work to enhance these in a way that will catapult you into the top tier of your occupation. Whether it’s more personal practice, formal training, or going back to school, find a way to make the upgrade.

Make Three New Friends: One of my personal rules of thumb has always been to find out who has what you want and get to know them.

Success, particularly in a tough economy, is about relationships. It really is all about who you know, and it’s up to you to get to know them. Ask yourself three questions: Who is doing what you want to do? Who has the knowledge that you need? Who is willing and able to help you get where you want to go? Once you have answered these questions, get out there and start making new friends.

Contribute to Your Field: If you want to stand out in your field, you must first be a player in the game. Employers and clients like working with people who are more than just clock punchers.

One way to gain stature in your field is to contribute to the body of knowledge. Simple ways to gain traction in your industry include doing a presentation at one of your local professional association meetings, writing a white paper, or guest blogging for one of your industry/trade publications. Take some time to think about what you have to offer and find a way to get it out there.

Make a YOU Plan: If there is one New Year’s resolution everyone should make it is to create a YOU plan. The New Year is a great time to step back and reset. Whether you are looking for a job, seeking to make a career change, interested in starting a business, or just want to do a better job of meeting your personal goals, you have to start with a plan. Remember, you can’t get to a destination without a roadmap.

Set three major goals for yourself and work backward; think about what you are going to need to do to reach them. Set a schedule for yourself and check in on a monthly basis to determine if you are in fact moving the ball forward towards your goals. Make sure to hold yourself accountable and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and make them your accountability partner.

Happy New Year! Make this one count!!!