When January 1st comes, will you be ready?  Here are a few tips to take advantage of everyday and make 2016 your best year!

At certain times during the year we are motivated to change or move forward towards a common goal. No time is better than the holidays in regards to Christmas and New Years! As we wind down from 2015 and begin a new year it’s always a great time to reset out minds and consider some things that could make 2016 the best year of your life.  Of course, simple questions don’t promise prosperity and there are no “get rich quick” schemes that are lasting.  Typically what makes for successful careers are small changes everyday over time.  As we consider what 2016 will have in store, ask yourselves these questions and hopefully it can help shape where you want to take your career and life during this next year!

1. How did 2015 go overall?

Of course, this doesn’t mean to rip yourself a new one! What i mean is did you grow? Did you take risks? Are you coming out in a better way than you went in?  What could have made the bad days better?  Take some time thinking through this between now and 1/1/16.

2. What plans and goals do you have for 2016?

Understand that you wont conquer the world in a day, year or even decade. Change takes dedication long term and can take some time so be encouraged by the fact that small changes everyday can make a world of difference over the next 365 days.  When someone begins body building or going to the gym, change won’t be noticed right away.  However, consistency will make for a great outcome!

3. Where do you want to be in 5 years?

I’ve heard time and time again that, as stated above, change takes time. Knowing where you would like to be can lead to the changes you make today in order to get there.  The end career goal may not be something you’ve thought about, but the next account, salary, position and company culture is something we all think about.  Read a book, subscribe to a forum on LinkedIn, start your day in a way that will keep you MOVING towards your goal.\

I’ve said it for a while now but it really is all about Moving forward.  Mistakes are made, and life moves on.  In golf I have always heard to forget the last putt, drive and bunker.  Keeping your head clear and focused is what makes the difference in the game.  That and practice.  Not one of the PGA players picked up a golf club and was competing.  Even if they started young, there was a time when they hit the ball for the first time.