New Year, New Career, New You

Do Some Inner Exploration

First, consider this a fresh start for you. What are you seeking as you dream about your next career opportunity? Some enticing ideas that often appear in my initial conversations with clients include:

• Autonomy: The freedom to embark on creative projects, to dictate your own time, to put your attention where you're drawn.
• Meaning: At the end of the day, knowing that where you're spending your time matches your values at a basic level.
• Connection: Working alongside people who get you, who respect you, who say "thanks" every now and then.
• Engagement: Dialing into what you're doing, using your brain, your intuition, and your other talents.

Articulate The Most Important Qualities You Want

Make a list of what you want in your new career. Imagine that you're single and you're searching for a new romantic partner. Sit down and write a list of 10-15 qualities you're seeking.

Next, get very specific about three more categories:

• Where do you want to be working geographically?
• What are some target companies you'd like to research?
• What are the specific job titles that you're seeking?

Reach Out And Build Your Sphere Of Connections

Strategically expand your circle to be in purposeful conversation with people who can offer intel on the companies and positions on your list.

For those of you who cringe at the idea of asking for help (particularly when it seems like you're almost using people), if you've been networking the right way all along, it shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Networking, maintaining, and building your professional connections is about providing value. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you shouldn't ask for their help right away. Establish a relationship first. Once you do that, they'll be more than willing to help you in your career because they know you'd do the same for them.

Whatever you want out of life and your career, you can accomplish. A year from now, you really can be in a completely different spot, one that resonates more deeply for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start making changes today!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.