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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Thank you, points noted.
This advise has given me a second thought, I’m going for my diploma in HR course.
Good Advice
Good Advice
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
very informative
Quite inspiring, very educative! Thank u Mr. Wainaina.
points noted and much has been taken into account. Perfect points to ponder as far as career heightening is concerned.
This has made me make a step ahead
Tanx xo much your ingredients really energizes my zeal in dis road of wealth search.
This is very encouraging and educative.
Thank you.
wow. i like the advice and am currently working on that. thank you
Wonderful ideas
Hallo, very strong comments. Have been uplifted. Thanx and keep on advising.
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!
I’ve to do something now
thanks for the advise
this has really enlightened me. thank you for the advice.
Very informative and essential advice.
A good article right there!
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.
This article is can a big difference a persons career advancement,thank you
Thankyou for the advice. I will start implementing right away. I have to get that job that i want.
I deserved this resolutions more than an
yone else.
You’ve hit the nail on the head..thanks for this article
very strong advice thanks
Thank you
I’m humbled. No word
Insightful, instructive and practical. Thank you
Good advice
great career approach for 2016
This was best for me. All I needed are well spoken. Thank you.
Nyc one
Any time of the year is perfect for any change in ones career….
great ontop of it.
good one.thanks
Good advice
You are such a mentor.
Thank you for this great article, it was enlightened me in a big way.
These very interesting and applicable resolutions that I’ve got to work on, thanks a lot Mr. Perminus
Yes this is what I needed started working on them. Been in sales as a banker for 3yrs now looking for a managerial position.
Thank you,i have even noted them.Good points you have here
Very good read, thank you
very informative
Realy informative and encouraging
It has given me hope and future i will do my best as John 14:14 .
This wonderful
It’s a nice article. I am challenged to do something…
very good resolutions
Phat, very advicely.Its like you spoke to me
That advice,it’s like you are speaking to me
This is so timely for me
This is very true. Things will not just come one has to put some effort.
the Five points quite inspiring.
Muturi
Very informative & inspirational article
thanks Mr.perminus for this useful post
This is great, thanks for the advice. I will implement
Thanks for sharing this Wainaina. This is profound. Thanks again.
Great Stuff Perminus.And I like and envy your services services at CSS.
thanks for the insight, i can start today
Comment hi am teresia i realy need a job please kol me my number 0706795180
A very nice stuff to better someone who is ready and willing
This article spoke to me directly, very informative
This are really very good resolutions . I am on them right away.
that’s great piece of advice.
i completed cpa last year june & immediately register with icpak.
still looking for job