In December and January we typically begin to reflect back on the past year to determine what worked for us, what didn’t and how we did or did not achieve our goals for the year. We also start thinking about goals for the upcoming year for both our careers and our lives.

Goal Review and Setting

If you are also looking at your career goals, please review my relevant prior blogs:

• How to review your annual goals by quarter
• Set goals for a more successful career
• Removing obstacles and achieving your career goals

This year, I’m starting with a new first step in my approach to career goals for the upcoming year. This year, when looking at my career, I’m asking myself this question:

What 3 words describe how I want my career to be this year?

It is a pretty broad question and opens you to many possibilities. Before I offer my practical advice for you, read my words and the reasons behind them. It should help you visualize your end goal more easily. My words for 2015 are: joyous, peaceful, and intentional.

My 3 Words

I came to the word joyous by thinking about my children’s eyes when they are blissfully happy. To me their eyes are shining with happiness. I want to feel those ‘shining eyes’ in my work as it energizes me. This past year, in my career, I spent time on some energy-draining activities. I worked hard this year to settle those activities so I can be open to more ‘energy filling’ activities in the new year.

I came to the word peaceful as I thought about how I want my body to feel each day as I walk into work. I want to feel a sense of calm and peace in my core. More importantly, I want that same sense of calm and peace to remain steady each day even when I am confronted by energy-draining activities and decisions.

The word intentional will be a tough one for me. In my career, I am blessed to have many people contact me with opportunities that can change my business in positive ways. I love new opportunities. I love talking with people about opportunities. I love learning about new ways of doing things. Unfortunately, I cannot – and should not – say yes to all of the opportunities presented to me. I want to be intentional with my responses to those inquiries and intentional with the opportunities I choose to pursue.

The words I chose this year were very different than the words I would have chosen in 2014 and that’s okay, even good! I learned a lot this year and have a different focus.

Choosing Your 3 Words

These three words can serve as an anchor for you as you create your 2015 career goals. First, spend some time thinking about what those words will be. Make sure to choose words that are meaningful for you and not what you think others would do. Choose your words and write them down.

Now that you have chosen your words and written them down, think through your career goals for the year. Once you have identified your career goals, evaluate them against your three words. Are they in alignment? If not, what is off? What needs to change?

I believe this new ‘anchoring’ question will positively aid you in setting your career goals for the year. Answering that question can help make the goals more meaningful to you and more in alignment with who you want to be in 2015. I’m excited to see the impact on my own 2015 career goals and I hope you are too!