4 Ways to Plan for Career Success in 2019

As we near the end of 2018, it’s easy to start getting excited for the possibilities and fresh start that 2019 will bring—but it can also pretty overwhelming!

The end of the year is the perfect time to begin planning for a successful 2019. Here are four easy tips you can use to start creating a vision and a plan for the coming year.

Self Reflection + Assessment

The best way to start something fresh in the new year is to make the time to assess and reflect on what’s happened in the past year. What’s worked? What’s been a challenge? What would you like to change or let go of? It’s the perfect time of year to do some journaling and document the learning that has happened for you and your hopes for the future.

Rest, leisure and fun

My clients are always surprised to hear how much I emphasize this in our work together, but it’s more than legit to weave rest and fun into your plan.

Here’s the thing: career planning and job search is work. You should take advantage of opportunities to refill your tank so that when you buckle down to do the work, you’re focused! So yes, this is permission to indulge in a day at the museum, a Netflix binge or that yoga workshop you’ve had on your mind!

Get back in touch

The end of the year and the start of the year are the perfect time to reach out to people you’ve lost connect with. If you feel awkward reconnecting with former supervisors or colleagues, break the ice with a quick “Happy Holidays!” or “Happy New Year!” note!

Even if you’re not currently job searching, maintaining your professional network can definitely serve as an insurance policy for the future.

Make a plan

What do you need to be successful for the next year? Who do you want to meet? What do you want to learn? And how and when will you get it all done?

This is the perfect time to work your way back from your big picture goal and come up with actionable goals you can complete each week or month. You don’t have to figure everything out before you get started. This is about giving yourself a fresh start and a framework for a successful year ahead!

Jenn Walker Wall writes a monthly career advice column called #AskJUGs for JustUsGalsBos.com and is the founder of Work Wonders Coaching + Consulting. You can follow her on Twitter: @JennWalkerWall.