The ABC's of Career Management for the New Year - Part Two

In our last post, it was mentioned that each New Year requires a review of your successes during the past 12-months along with an identification of those areas, which can use improvement. Here are is a list of the next SEVEN ABC’s to improve your career building blocks. They could be your foundation to a bright 2009!

• H Will you not agree, habits control many areas of our lives? We need to maintain the good habits that will take our career to the next level. But lifestyle changes are needed in some areas of our lives. Sometimes we need to say NO to requests for more of our time. At other times, we need to say YES to stretching ourselves and developing new skills. It takes 21 days to form new habits. Practice good habits for 30 days, and you will see a positive lifestyle change.
  
• I Shouldn’t you develop an inquisitive nature? Understanding the WHY’s of our habits, attitudes, workplace processes, customer requirements, etc. can do a lot to move our career forward. Begin the pattern of asking why questions along with What, How and When.
  
• J Do you have the confidence to JUMP-START a new chapter in your life? Even more importantly, you have the knowledge, drive and dedication to make a positive directional change to improve your life style. It all begins with a first step toward your goals and lifetime pursuits. Are you prepared to take the first step?
  
• K As you develop your work life and find your passion, what kernel becomes the seed for your career growth? Is it your time management and self-management skills that need to be ratcheted up a notch? Or is it your ability to get organized and efficiently complete tasks? Only you can determine the kernel what will become your seed for success.
  
• L Becoming a content expert is important. Why not take advantage of Lunch and Learn opportunities? Professional organizations offer continuing education opportunity through conferences and monthly meetings. You may want to take advantage of Toastmasters International to sharpen your public speaking skills.
  
• M If there are career mirages in your past or on the horizon, why not identify your career illusions and put them in your past so you can move on to a brighter future? We have so much opportunity with our grasp. Unfortunately, we get caught up in our own daily drama and miss opportunity that is ours for the taking.
  
• N How long has it been since you used the word NO? May I recommend that you use the phrase “tell me more”. If you have the pattern for saying NO to new projects that would stretch your skills set, why not say YES the next time and experience a break-through moment. If you find yourself wanting to say NO, why not say “not at this time” instead. Even better, why not accept the challenge and learn something new about yourself and your ability to step of your comfort zone?

Next time we’ll talk about the OPQRSTU’s of job search. Stay tuned!

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