PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & CAREER SUCCESS

Author: Christina Puleo Published: July 2022

Team goals can be empowering, but they aren’t encouraged in all workplaces. However, a person can still grow and succeed in such environments. Here, we outline how to set individual goals and build a career you can be proud of!

Assess Your Performance

This can be difficult, but identifying one’s strengths and weaknesses will only benefit a career’s trajectory. Here are some questions to start thinking about:

• Which areas of my job do I enjoy the most?

• What are some tasks I struggle with?

• Am I meeting my deadlines in a timely manner?

• Is my performance affecting someone’s ability to do their job?

Once you’ve determined who these habits affect and what needs to improve, it’s time to create a game plan.

Step by Step Success

List each area that needs improvement, then list small and attainable steps underneath. Each instruction sets your intentions for the work day and can help you feel more focused. Plus, crossing something off of your list can be that much more rewarding. This could look like:

Time Management

• Set a productivity timer for 10 minutes at the start of each day

  • Answer e-mails and make today’s to-do list

• Dedicate at least 1 hour of deep work to larger projects before taking a break

  • Pause this time when answering phone calls or additional e-mails

• Take a deep breath at the beginning of each hour

  • You can do this!

Once this is done, take time to list your strengths and how you can maintain them. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re trying your best and working towards a better future!

Check In with Yourself

Self-reflection looks different for everyone. Some goals may need to be simplified while others can be amplified. If you want a bigger challenge, try to:

• Schedule a performance review with your manager

• Attend a seminar on career development

• Discuss accountability with a colleague and meet regularly

Personal development will strengthen your career and how you respond to future challenges. You cannot achieve your best work if you are not the best version of yourself. Self-maintenance may not seem productive, but it is an essential first step of any process.