The New Year brings in lofty resolutions and plans to be the best you that you can be. Avoid the vague aspirations and set firm, measurable goals that you can track and attain this year. Here’s how to finally follow through on your New Year’s Career Resolutions!

STEP 1: UTILIZE YOUR PERFORMANCE REVIEW

If your company gives out yearly performance reviews, yours probably contained points of improvement to focus on throughout the year ahead. As you’re crafting your 2020 goals, be sure to keep these in mind. Every point should be touched on to make positive changes throughout the year that leave your boss thinking more favorably of you – and ultimately lead to that promotion or raise that you’re seeking once 2020’s reviews come around.

STEP 2: SET REALISTIC (AND ATTAINABLE) RESOLUTIONS

Over 60% of us make New Year’s Resolutions. However, only about 8% of us are successful in achieving them. This is probably because we tend to have goals that are vague or a little too over the top. “Earn more money” is too generic, whereas “take on new projects and get promoted” gives you an actual goal to strive for. Resolutions should be goals. They should focus on specific awards, titles, projects or milestones you want to complete or work on in the upcoming year. Create objectives that are direct and quantifiable. Communicate those objectives to your boss to ensure your goals are in-line with the company’s 2020 plan.

STEP 3: HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

You finally have clear, attainable goals set for the upcoming year. Now, write them down! Your resolutions should be clearly outlined and displayed somewhere where you will be able to come back to them often throughout the year to keep yourself on track. We suggest checking in monthly and assessing what steps you have taken in your action plan to complete your resolutions.

STEP 4: REVISIT AND REVISE

If you do not reach your goals by the deadline you have in mind, or your action plan doesn’t come to fruition exactly how you imagined it, that’s okay. The key is to revisit, assess, and revise a new action plan to get you back on track to accomplish your resolutions.

STEP 5: ENGAGE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, or individuals who are in positions that you desire is a great way to push yourself to achieve a career resolution. Lean on your peers, superiors, and network to support you throughout the year. Remember to stay positive and open-minded throughout the year and always keep your goals in mind!