Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick!

Happy 2015! If you made a resolution, this recent WSJ article ​gives pointers on how to make it stick.

My favorites are below, which I’ve applied to the career context: 

1. Set concrete and realistic goals. To get a new job, you need to break it down, e.g., (1) get your resume and LinkedIn bio in order, (2) scan job openings (like on indeed.com) daily or set up weekly alerts, and (3) do a job-enhancing activity monthly (e.g., networking function or presentation).
2. Anticipate feeling discouraged, and prep your response ahead of time. (Hey, planning for objections is what you do for a living!)
3. Take frequent action! Getting to the gym is often the hardest part of a workout. Similarly, you need to take that initial step for your career. Scan job postings, read the paper and send out congratulatory notes, prepare to write an article, go to a round table, etc.
4. Set up a system to make yourself accountable. You could tell someone (your friendly recruiter, for instance) what your career goals are. Block time on your calendar for career essentials (resume prep, job search, networking, etc.).