It’s Half-Time!

As I am writing this, we have just crossed over into the second half of 2021.  After the whirlwind that was 2020, I imagine that you looked forward to a different, more normal experience this year, and I hope you’ve found that.

I am a proponent of setting specific goals each year, but I know this process can feel overwhelming; especially in areas of our lives where we’ve tended to struggle with the same challenges year after year.  However, I believe with all my heart that change is possible – even after a long time of trying.  You never know – 2021 could be your year.  With that in mind, if you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to carve out some time this week to sit down and answer the following questions:

What are my professional/career goals for 2021?

These goals might relate to excelling in your current role, transitioning into a better role, participating in learning/professional development activities, building a network of professional friends and colleagues, writing a book or article – the list goes on.  Basically, whatever you set out to do this year that is related to your career in any way, list it.

What have been my greatest career accomplishments thus far this year?

If you had to list the one or two things you’ve done or experienced in your career this year that you are most proud of, what would they be?  These might be related to specific goals, but might also have come by surprise.  They might be tangible or not; relational or not.  Just write down the first few things that come to mind.

What have you struggled with most during the first half of this year?

Everyone’s career has its struggles.  What have yours been this year?  Are these struggles that you’ve experienced before, or are they new?  Have they affected you in other areas of your life?  If so, how?  How did you address them?  Did it work?

What do you need to do during the second half of the year in order to accomplish your career goals?

Now that you’ve spent some time reflecting on the first half of the year, it’s time to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments.  Have you accomplished any of your goals for the year?  If so, indicate that.  Are you progressing in a way that will enable you to achieve your goals by year-end?  If not, what adjustments do you need to make?  Do the goals you listed still resonate with you?  If not, you may want to remove or replace them.  What will you do, specifically, to reach your goals?  How will you deal with any obstacles or barriers you’ve either already experienced or anticipate?

Who will support you during the second half of the year as you continue to pursue your career goals?

Are there others in your life who are aware of your career goals and who are offering support and encouragement as you pursue them?  If not, this is probably a factor in any struggles you might have experienced thus far.  I encourage you to find at least one person that you can trust and talk to about your career objectives.  It’s helpful to have someone to help hold you accountable for the things you want to accomplish, because it can be difficult to stick with hard things when life begins to take over.

There is still plenty of time.

There is still a lot of time left in 2021 for you to accomplish your career goals for this year.  Be strategic and intentional.  Get support.  You might be surprised at where you end up six months from now.

I would love to support you on your journey.  Let’s connect!  Just fill out the contact form, and I will reach out to set up a free career coaching session.