Top 10 Career Resolutions

If your career is losing direction, maybe it's time to make not only personal resolutions, but some professional resolutions too!

Making a resolution about your job or any other aspect of your life is really nothing more than goal setting. The secret to success is setting goals that are achievable. They should make you stretch, but with effort they should be within reach:

1. Brush up on skills: Take a class or go to a seminar. "It is essential to set learning goals on a regular basis. As the saying goes, 'If you're not green and growing, you're ripe and rotting'."

2. Learn more about new technology: Technology is here to stay. If you're a novice, shame on you. Communication is essential for business success. Take stock of where you're the weakest and change that.

3. Update that résumé: In this day and age, change is often unplanned. It's a good idea to be prepared.

4. Learn a foreign language: This is particularly important if your work puts you in contact on a regular basis with people who speak another language.

5. Clean out old files, e-mails and contact lists: Cleaning up old files is a great way to revisit priorities and gain perspective on what's really important. Not only will it give you a fresh start to the year ahead, but if you pay careful attention to what you keep and what you toss it may help you manage your workload more effectively in the future.

6. Network with five people a month: Commit to expanding your knowledge base and understanding of your company or industry in broader ways. Once you've identified what you have to learn in those areas, determine the people who will help you realise those goals and meet with them accordingly.

7. Read best-selling business books: It's important to be well-versed on business trends, even if it's nothing more than to find your way to a healthy debate with others.

8. Find more time for self/family each week: More and more effective leaders are looking for a 'blend' of family and work life versus a balance of the two. Look for ways to integrate both aspects of your life.

9. Put more money in a savings account: Saving for retirement is critically important. Making this part of your career goals will give you peace of mind that you're building toward a more comfortable retirement.

10. Exercise, eat healthy and find your best way to invigorate: Find ways to exercise with your family, and pay attention to what you're eating. Take time to reflect on what activities invigorate you and commit more time to doing them.

[Source: http://www.careerpath.com/]