Career Reflections for 2009

Today I was thinking about how nice it is to spend time with friends, family, and loved ones during the holiday season. It's a time when I am really relaxed and just happy to see everyone and hear what's happening in their lives. Regardless of your current employment status or level of job satisfaction, be sure to bring a positive attitude to your social gatherings. Sulking and being negative certainly won't encourage anyone to enjoy your company. Let everyone see you at your best!

Take this time to also reflect on your career choices and objectives for 2009. Did you complete the career goals you set out to complete this year? Did you give your best effort in pursuing your career goals? Did you take on any new challenges? Did you maximize your skills to the benefit of you, your clients, and/or your employer? Did you listen to your manager and peers during your performance reviews and make adjustments for the better? Did you help someone in your peer group with a personal/professional challenge?

When you think about yourself as a professional, what comes to mind? It's important to know how you see yourself as well as how others see you. Think about the things you do in your professional life that add value to those around you. Do you offer to help co-workers on difficult projects? Do you seek ways to improve the business you are in? Do you seek ways to constantly improve yourself through self-education and training? Do you give more than you take? What would your three closest co-workers say about you professionally? What would your boss say about you? Are you someone that everyone recognizes as a key stakeholder? Do people seek your opinion or input on major issues?

I could go on and on but the purpose of this article is to help you to reflect on your 2009 professional career. Do a deep introspection and identify the areas that you need to improve. Seek the advice of your trusted peers and allies on how you can be better. Be sure to start 2010 with a defined purpose and each day will be a step towards satisfying that purpose. You can be better and you will be better if you set objectives and use your support team to help you meet those objectives. Best of luck to you and best wishes for the New Year!