A Different World in January - By Minto Roy
The world would be a much more productive, heathier and happier if every month was January.
Think about it, people all over the world are making new resolutions to make 2007 a fantastic year. This month brings the collective thoughts of billions towards self improvement. Lose Weight, stop smoking and yes find that better career! A career that's going to get you out of bed earlier and ensure that when Monday morning arrives, I'm looking forward to a great week with great people. Yes indeed! January is a fantastic month to find success with your job search. Here's why January's great for you career and 5 and Srategic Ideas to take advantage of a world ready to improve.
Can you feel the fresh air of optimism this month? It's difficult avoid. Everyone you meet says "Happy New Year"! People ask each other about their new years resolution and goals. .
In January we openly share our goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. There is not another month when people start conversations with such optimism. Think about a typical conversation in January;
Tim meets Susan, he say's "Happy New Year Susan! Any new year resolutions? Susan states with excitement "Yes, I plan on focusing more on professionals career and spending more quality time with my family. And...oh, I'm going to make double what I made last year plus lose 25 pounds. "Wow"! says Tim, "that's fantastic, those are the exact same goals I have, but, I'm also going make triple what I made last year and grow hair on my bald spot" and by the way Susan, you don't need to lose any weight"....Let's assume for this article that Tim's a smart guy.
Wow, that unbelievable" they both state "This is going to be a great year.
Ok the Tims and the Susans of the world" Here's what you need to do in January as far as your careers are concerned.
First:
Write down your career goals with the greatest detail. It's an absolute cliche's stated in every goal setting manual to write down your goals in detail. But 90%+ of professionals I interview, don't write down their career goals and 99% of them don't write them down with detailed clarity. So, before you say, I alreay know this idea, if you haven't done it, be glad that you've heard it again. Do it!
Here' s a good detailed goal mission statement for Tim and Susan. I want a new exciting career. "I'm going to secure a strategic partnership with a resource based career expert. Together we'll combine, resources, ideas, objectivity and an increase my network of information and people required to strategically secure that right career fit for me."
"I am also going to break down a week be week activity chart of what I need to do each week to increase my production and efficiency to align my goal of earning 4 times what I did last year." "I am going to study and learn from those people achieving these goals already and ensure that I adust my strategy each time I experience setback.
I won't give up or get discouraged and I won't rationalize and slow down when I have only doubled my earnings. I am going to keep the gas peddle floored!
Remember this is an example of an exciting mission statement for your goals, start breaking down the activities and required and start implementing.
Second:
Tell people your detailed career goals, share your plan. Seek advice, support and most importantly provide support and patience when others say "that's impossible", you'll never triple your income or lose 30 pounds." This cynism should only add fuel to the fire. Promise to turn their pessimissium into inspiration. You will succeed and they will become believers.
Also the great benefit of telling other's your plans is that most people are ready to help. Their increased knowledge and awareness of your goals will make them valuable allies. If one of Susan's goals was to buy a used blue miata convertible, she should not just tell people she's looking for a car. What if Steve ran into a friend who was trying to sell a used blue miata because he needed a van for his new triplets.
Remember, tell as many people with clarity and detail exactly what you are looking for.
Third:
If you are on a Career Search Campaign in January, what better time to ask managers at companies about not only their corporate goals but also their personal goals. Ensure that after asking hiring managers their goals, ask what they see are some minor hurdles they will have to overcome in achieving them. This information will provide powerful nuggets of information on what you should put in your resume or value-proposition for your candidacy.
Fourth:
Work harder in January. The business climate is ripe for growth. Most professionals and companies slowed down in December due to holidays and extra- merriment. Companies return with re-newed vigor and attitude Rally cries of "Let's have a big 2007, let's get going"! "December was fun but it's time to get focused and get a head start on the competition". It's a perfect time to align your work effort and focus to those of the Corporte rally cry. This will ensure that you won't be sagging behind in February.
Five:
Don't give up. Another cliche, but some ideas. Write you goals down on the first day of each month of every calender, daytimer, fridge calender you own. Don't let your January goals and optimism become the last page on the calender. Push your goals forward and keep them at the forefront of each month. Take the optimism of January and make it the first part of each on exciting new month in 2007.