5 Resolutions That Will Advance Your Career

By Perminus Wainaina

Making New Year’s resolutions has become a fad. Many of us see the beginning of the year as a perfect time to put our lives in order and as such make resolutions on health, finances and career matters. I don’t believe there’s a magic period like January; that whatever you resolve this month will work. Any time is a good time to reflect on the changes you want to make in your life be it on Christmas, your birthday, next Saturday or this Friday.

But if you are thinking of making some career resolutions this month, then I have a few I’d like to recommend.

  1. Be Proactive.  Nothing will change in 2018 if you don’t take action. Younger and ambitious staff hungry to make an impact will join your organization and be promoted as you watch. Your colleagues will change jobs and earn good money while you are still stuck with the same pay for years.  You’ll miss opportunities to advance since you lack some skills and are not doing anything about it. 2018 should be the year you evaluate what you have to offer and if there are gaps, work on fixing them. It is the year you’ll decide to take additional responsibility, learn a new skill or even go back to school. The only person holding you back is yourself through inaction. 2016 is time to walk the talk.
  1. Be Seen. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets oiled. Do you wonder why people who are less educated or experienced do better than those who have a string of certificates and years of experience? It all boils down to how visible you are in an organization. And visibility is not just about how you dress or present yourself. Being visible means having an impact on the business. Can the business rely on you?  Are you an average or exceptional employee? Do you challenge the status quo by contributing new ideas? Do you speak your mind? Do you participate in meetings or prefer to blend in with the furniture. Companies become visible through advertising and involving themselves in community affairs. Individuals stand out by providing answers to problems and therefore making an impact on the business.
  1. Be Aggressive. I don’t like politicians very much but one quality worth emulating from those who play politics is their guts. Politicians will speak their mind without a care. You’ll complain how useless and uncouth they are, but come election time, you will be among the first people to wake up very early to go cast a vote. Politicians don’t worry what we think of them and they seem to pursue their goals ruthlessly. This year, don’t wait for things to be handed to you. It want happen anyway. Whether you are looking for a promotion, salary increase, a more interesting job or whatever you think will make your career better, purpose to pursue your goals with a renewed focus and ignore distractions.
  1. Be Yourself. One thing I have learnt over time is that you will only be productive and satisfied doing what you love. You have unique talents. You are different from the rest of us. If a job does not give you satisfaction then taking action by changing to a job that makes you happy and utilizes your talents should be the next logical step. Complaining by saying how bad things are does not change the situation. Only pursue what makes you happy and financial independence will follow.
  1. Better Yourself. Your resolutions will mean nothing if you are not willing to make changes in your life. Great jobs and a fulfilling career don’t just happen. You have to invest time and effort. Success does not come easy. If you are seeking a managerial post, have you taken time to develop your leadership skills? If you are looking to change careers, have you identified the skills you need? If you lack the skills, are you prepared to go back to school? Instead of spending endless time on social media and social engagements that don’t add value, purpose to pursue those activities that will boost your career. The best investment you can make is in yourself.

There you have it. 5 career resolutions that will make a difference in your career. And the best thing is that you can start implementing them right away.

Keep me posted on your progress.

Perminus Wainaina is the Managing Partner & Head of Recruitment at Corporate Staffing Services Ltd

63 Comments

  1. This advise has given me a second thought, I’m going for my diploma in HR course.

  2. wow,amazing,i was working as an sales agent for a certain insurance co. that job brought choas in my life like seriously,i dropped it……am in CPA sec 3&4….have been dropping my CVs….have faith i gonna get one feedback positive…the advise have make me keep going…thankz

  3. points noted and much has been taken into account. Perfect points to ponder as far as career heightening is concerned.

  4. Tanx xo much your ingredients really energizes my zeal in dis road of wealth search.

  5. Now I know where I have been going wrong Mr Perminus Wainaina.You have inspired me a lot. My carrier will now no longer be the same again! I have to act now! Thank you for this amazing article.I am glad it popped in my mails!

  6. My business has not been doing well thats why I have decided to do point no. 4 just to be myself and get a new Job.

  7. This article is can a big difference a persons career advancement,thank you

  8. Thankyou for the advice. I will start implementing right away. I have to get that job that i want.

  9. You are such a mentor.
    Thank you for this great article, it was enlightened me in a big way.

  10. Yes this is what I needed started working on them. Been in sales as a banker for 3yrs now looking for a managerial position.

  11. that’s great piece of advice.
    i completed cpa last year june & immediately register with icpak.
    still looking for job

Comments are closed.