Nine Evidence-Based Secrets to Formulating Successful New Year's Career Goals
It's that time of year when most people are working on resolutions aimed at personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, many of these goals don't last past February. The reason often lies in the type of goals we set and how we approach them. But by using some goal-setting science, you can create professional resolutions that stick and drive success.
1. Change from SMART Goals to TARGET Goals
The SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework has been popular for goal setting, but research suggests it may not be as effective as we think. According to research, only 14% of employees feel their goals push them to greatness. This could mean that SMART goals sometimes prioritize ease over impact.
Enter TARGET goals—goals that are Targeted, Authentic, Required, Ambitious, and Gritty. These goals are focused, rooted in personal values, necessary, challenging, and require determination.
- Targeted: Setting a goal that aligns specifically with what you want to achieve, rather than a generic goal, gives it purpose. For instance, instead of "Improve time management," aim for "Streamline my project workflows to spend more time mentoring junior colleagues."
- Authentic: Making the goal a reflection of who you are and what matters to you gives it meaning.
- Required: Framing your goal as something that needs to happen gives it a sense of urgency. For instance, "I must complete my certification by April, and I need to have the first module done by February 1 to be eligible for promotion" leaves no room for excuses.
- Ambitious: Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and setting challenging goals gives you something to strive for.
- Gritty: Embracing the struggles and setbacks that come with achieving a difficult goal gives you the resolve to keep going.
2. Use the Power of Visualization
According to one study, people who visualize their goals are 52% more likely to love their jobs. Visualization isn't just a motivational tool; it engages the brain in planning and taking action. When creating resolutions, put them in writing and create a vision board or digital collage that represents the desired outcome. For example, if your resolution is to secure a leadership position, include images that symbolize leadership, like team meetings or keynote speeches.
3. Identify the Why, Where, and How
Drawing from change management strategies, clearly define three aspects of your resolution: why it matters, where it leads, and how to achieve it.
- Why: Establishing a compelling reason for the goal gives it meaning and purpose. For example, "I want to lead a new department because I thrive on innovation and want to shape the company's future."
- Where: Specifying the end state gives you a clear goal to work towards. For instance, "By December, I aim to be managing a team of five while driving a $2 million increase in revenue."
- How: Breaking the goal into smaller, actionable tasks gives you a roadmap to follow.
4. Implement Accountability Mechanisms
Resolutions often fail due to lack of accountability. To overcome this:
- Share your goals with a mentor or colleague who can hold you accountable.
- Set interim milestones and check in on progress regularly.
- Use digital tools to track tasks and deadlines.
5. Combine Internal and External Motivation
While external rewards (like bonuses) are powerful, intrinsic motivation often has greater staying power. Tie your resolution to internal drivers such as personal growth, intellectual curiosity, or the desire to make an impact.
A Leadership IQ study revealed that only 15% of people strongly agreed their goals would help them achieve great things. Creating a resolution that resonates with your internal values can change that dynamic. For example, if you're driven by creativity, set a goal to spearhead an innovative project that showcases your talents.
6. Recognize the Role of Passion
Without passion, even the most carefully planned resolution can feel like a chore. Consider asking yourself: "What excites me about this resolution? How does achieving it align with my dreams and aspirations?"
7. Establish a Connection Between Platforms
Change psychology reveals the importance of bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Set smaller, achievable sub-goals that lead towards your larger ambition. For example, if your resolution is to transition to a new industry, begin by attending industry webinars, then move on to networking events, and finally enroll in a specialized certification course.
8. Overcome Challenges with Adaptive Strategies
Resolutions face inevitable obstacles. Anticipate potential roadblocks and have contingency plans in place. For example, if your resolution involves earning a certification but you're concerned about time, commit to studying in 20-minute increments instead of waiting for extended free time.
9. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Celebrate each step towards your goal to maintain momentum. For instance, if your goal is to increase sales by 20%, celebrate each 5% milestone. This not only builds confidence but also reinforces the neural pathways associated with achievement.
The key to a successful professional New Year's resolution lies in creating goals that are both scientifically grounded and personally meaningful. By embracing TARGET goals, visualizing success, and committing to continuous progress, you can transform your aspirations into achievements. Let 2024 be the year where your resolutions not only survive but thrive, paving the way for lasting professional success.
- To effectively implement TARGET goals in your career, you might consider setting a resolution to attain a leadership position by leveraging your strengths and values, such as "I aim to become a department head by the end of next year, utilizing my skills in innovation and strategy to drive team performance and company growth."
- To foster growth in your leadership abilities, you could commit to using visualization techniques, such as "I will create a vision board showcasing images of successful leaders and challenging team scenarios to continuously motivate myself and reinforce the importance of my resolution."
