Setting Professional Goals for the New Year
It is a new year, and this means that many people will be resolving to make improvements in their lives and work. It may seem cliché, but there is a reason why we are so drawn toward self-improvement. Times such as the New Year and birthdays serve as milestones, making individuals reflective about what is working and what needs to be improved. Although New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep, it is possible to make positive changes. The following blog entry will explore Goal Setting Theory and reveal best practices for setting and keeping work goals in check.
One meaningful framework is SMART goal setting (Doran, 1981). This framework incorporates many of the findings and insights of Locke & Latham’s Goal Setting Theory. Individuals may think about each of these elements when creating goals.
Specific- setting specific difficult goals tends to be more effective than telling yourself to do your best because it will reduce ambiguity and allow the individual to focus on accomplishing tasks (Locke & Latham, 2002).
Measurable- you should be able to gauge how they are progressing. Likewise, you should develop some criteria for goal accomplishment (e.g. promotion, certification).
Attainable- you need to actually be able to accomplish the goal in a given amount of time with the resources available. Setting difficult goals lead to higher performance, but they cannot be so difficult that it will discourage you from working toward that goal (Locke & Latham, 1990).
Relevant- you must care about the goal in order to be motivated. Individuals should seek feedback and support from supervisors or mentors.
Timely- setting time limits for the overall goal and subtasks act as a motivator. It can energize the individual into action.
If ready this list is getting you excited about that big goal, then you are in luck. Motivation is key to kick starting your goal setting efforts. You will need direction, energy, and persistence to effectively meet your goals. Below are a list of action items for the next month:
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Use SMART goals or another framework to define your goals
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Develop a strategy for how you want to accomplish your professional goals
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Set up an appointment with your supervisor to discuss your goals and seek feedback on how you can get to the next level or improve your performance
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Practice, practice, practice. Goals are just pipe dreams if you do not have persistence
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Seek support. It will be much easier to accomplish your goals if partners, friends, and/or coworkers support your efforts
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Really commit to the goal. This is most important when the goals are difficult. Think about how important the outcomes of achieving the goal are to you and what you can do to make it happen
Goal setting in an effective strategy for making changes in your life as long as you are setting the right goals, working toward those goals in an effective way, and develop the self-efficacy to achieve those goals. Just make sure your periodically check your progress, keep the momentum going, and seek out support from others. A great way to keep track of your goals is through a performance management system.
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