New Year's Career Resolutions for 2006

It's that time again. Time to make those New Year's resolutions in an attempt to regain control over some part of our lives: the part that has gotten away from us in the past year or has been slowly slipping away for a long time.

If your career is losing direction, maybe it's time to make not only personal resolutions but also a professional one, 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.

Here is a list of key resolutions for the business set.
� 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.' "
� 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."
� Update that resume: "Others may disagree with me, but the time it takes to do a resume well should support doing it only when you truly are planning to find new opportunities outside of -- or within -- your company."
� Clean out old files, e-mails, Rolodexes, etc.: "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."
� 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 realize those goals and meet with them accordingly."
� Read New York Times best sellers on business trends: "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."
� Find more time for self and family each week: "More and more effective leaders that I know 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."
� Put more money in a 401(k) or savings: "Saving for retirement is a critically important goal. Simply commit yourself to take that next pay increase and put in your 401(k) before you ever have the chance to miss it."
� Exercise, eat healthy, 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."

By CareerBuilder.com
http://www.bizanalyst.net/Careers