10 Career Goals to Set For Yourself This Year

You’ve probably already set your fitness goals and made plans to eat healthier. Maybe you’ve even set an intention for the new year and decided how you want to improve your love life. But what about your job? Self-care includes feeling in control of your finances and work life. We can and should always strive to improve our professions for a better life. If you need some inspo for your 2022 career goals, here are 10 career commitments I’m making to myself that I intend to tackle before 2023.

1. I will learn a skill that is not in my comfort zone

We often gravitate toward things we’re good at. We can accumulate learning experiences over many years in skills that we love. But this year, let’s commit to start learning and building skills around the things a little outside of our comfort zone. I’ll be scanning Edx, Udemy, and Skillshare for free and low-cost classes on data science, design, programming, or any topic that feels more difficult to me (Pssst. We’ve got some pretty fun learning ideas here too).

2. I will join an office networking programme

It’s time to expand the circle: Finding a mentor, like-minded people on your level, or even inspiring employees at different stages can help you move through your career more efficiently, working as a sounding board or source of support and inspiration. Many offices have an affinity group or network organization that can help you make new friends and expand your network. Remote employee? This is even more important, and making connections with others at your place of employment doesn’t have to rely on in-person coffee meetings. You don’t have anything like this. You have the option to start a next-generation leadership networking forum, or just connect with like-minded people from your industry to create a networking group. 

3. I will ask for the raise

Some time in the next 12 months, we’re all likely to be in the mix for a performance review of some sort. Polish off that brag sheet that itemizes all the impact you’ve created in your role this year (or start keeping those notes now!). Asking for a raise means documenting your successes and communicating your value regularly to management. You should be specific about what you want and not just because a higher salary sounds better (e.g. Are you taking on more responsibility than your previous pay increase? Are you bringing in more revenue for the company lately? Yes, you can do it. And if a pay raise isn’t possible (because your request likely won’t be accepted EverywhereThere are many other things you can negotiate. 

4. I will plan my next career chapter

12 months out is the perfect amount of time to start charting some actual action items for a new role you’d like to explore. If you’re ready to move on to a new company, start scoping LinkedIn and networking with recruiters or HR representatives in your field. Are you ready to take the next step in your company? Meet with your manager about action steps, see if you can meet up with a new department on a joint project, or set up informational interviews with employees whose positions you’re interested in. A new role doesn’t have to be immediately on the horizon to make these moves. Actually, it’s the little things over time that will position you for all kinds unexpected opportunities.

5. I will learn to have difficult conversations with coworkers

Everyone has that one coworker they hate or avoid. Maybe they’re not pulling their weight on a team project or perhaps they’re just generally difficult to deal with. You can improve your emotional intelligence and learn new skills to have difficult conversations. You should feel more comfortable giving feedback to employees and managers, and not just offering criticisms, but also pointing out ways to improve workflow, productivity, or the company’s goal. 

6. I will understand your personal brand

Whether we think we’re creating one or not, we’re all actively developing a personal brand, even at the office. Why not get involved and create your personal brand? Think about your foundational skills. These are the qualities that get the job done. What are your boss’s expectations of you? What are your goals for the next year? Do you need to improve on your presentation or technical skills? Second, ensure your network is growing with the right people and that you are actively re-connecting with people who have helped. Make sure your brand materials, such as LinkedIn and resumes, are current.

7. I will work with low-stakes and high stakes audiences to help me practice difficult stuff

I’ll be honest: I really need to improve my presentation skills. But it’s hard to practice presenting in company-wide meetings or in front of my boss. Instead, I need lower-stakes places to practice public speaking where I’m feeling less stressed about the material and where I know that I’ll have a friendly audience (like organizing a game for my friend group, speaking up during book club, etc.). These experiences help you build your confidence for difficult presentations in front of the board and when you have to impress your boss. Finding other forums that are “high stakes” or have harder material to convey helps build those skills for the next stage of our work journey.

8. I will use my lifestyle to maximize my benefits at work

The start of a new year is a great time to review the benefits you have and make sure you’re taking advantage of all the things that your company offers. Start looking at how you might be able to increase your retirement savings through employer contributions and make sure you’re taking full advantage of PTO, flexible office hours, or sick days. Look for other perks, such as gym discounts or commuter benefits, that might be overlooked.

9. I will give back to someone in their career earlier

It is easy to become very internal about our career journey. However, nothing is more satisfying than sharing what you have learned with someone who is just a little further along. Being a mentor can happen in small moments, so don’t get hung up on feeling like you need to take a junior employee under your wing for the rest of the year. A few encouraging words can make a difference before a client meeting or before a major project. Plus, you’ll have a fresh perspective for your own career trajectory and what you want to accomplish.

10. I will make my career work for me, not vice versa

And last but arguably most importantly, let’s promise not to make our work world our whole world. Our jobs should be enough to get us out the door every morning, but our lives are so much more. In 2022, I’m recommitting to the mindset that my job is just one of the many pieces of my life that add up to who I am and prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, which means cutting off work at closing time (no exceptions!) Actively pursuing a healthy, fulfilling life outside of work.