New Year’s resolutions have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Babylonians are credited with being the first to make New Year’s resolutions, as they made promises to their gods at the start of each year to pay their debts and return borrowed objects.

In ancient Rome, the custom of making New Year’s resolutions was also observed, and the Romans made promises to the god Janus, who was the god of beginnings and endings.

In the modern era, the practice of making New Year’s resolutions has become widespread, with people around the world making resolutions to improve their lives in some way. Today, New Year’s resolutions are often associated with self-improvement and making positive changes in one’s personal or professional life.

Setting goals and new year’s resolutions have many benefits, including:

• Increased motivation: Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve can give you a sense of purpose and motivation to work towards your goals.

• Improved focus: Goals can help you prioritize your efforts and stay focused on what’s most important to you.

• Enhanced performance: Research has shown that setting goals can lead to better performance in a variety of settings, from academics to sports to the workplace.

• Greater satisfaction: Achieving your goals can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

• Improved time management: Setting goals can help you manage your time more effectively by giving you a roadmap for what needs to be done and when.

Overall, setting goals can help you achieve your desired outcomes and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life and can help you focus your efforts and stay motivated as you work towards achieving your career aspirations. Here are some steps you can follow to make new year’s professional goals:

• Reflect on the past year: Take some time to think about what you accomplished in the past year, what challenges you faced, and what you learned. This will help you identify areas for improvement and give you a sense of what you are capable of achieving.

• Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals: These are known as SMART goals, and they are a useful framework for setting goals that are clear, realistic, and achievable. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “improve my communication skills,” you might set a specific goal like “attend two public speaking workshops and give two presentations to my team in the next six months.”

• Make a plan: Once you have identified your goals, think about the steps you need to take to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks and create a timeline for completing them.

• Seek support: Share your goals with others, whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or a friend. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide encouragement and guidance can help you stay on track.

• Be flexible: While it’s important to have a plan, it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable. If you encounter challenges or setbacks, don’t be afraid to reassess your goals and adjust your approach as needed.

If you’d like support in setting your New Year’s Resolutions and Professional Goals, Book a free consultation to discuss more on how our programs can help you in and out of the interview.