I think it’s fair to say most of us have started this New Year with the usual resolution-based outlook on what we can change, what we can achieve and what we would like this year to bring. But just how many of you have set achievable goals? How many people actually tick off all the boxes? And just how long do the resolutions stay in your mind?

Goals are the best way to set your mood and motivation – whether it’s personal or career orientated… resolutions give you a great sense of passion and help to keep your mood in a happy state.

It’s when we come to assess our achievements that trouble sometimes hits… based on this we’ve come up with the essential guide on kick-starting your new year, into a new gear, and really getting what you want out of life.

Much like the gearstick in motor vehicle, the fail proof process to get your aspirations in order is to build up in stages… until you are ready to move into the fast lane, swoop through and pick up your achievements along the way.

First Gear: Revving up.

Probably the hardest gear to grasp, but once firmly in place, this stage will set the path for the rest of the process to follow.

Assessing your position is key… write a list of what you want to achieve, but also think about why you want these things… what’s the bigger picture, where’s your destination? Thinking about how you are going to get from A to B and what you need to get there is key. You wouldn’t start out on a journey with no petrol, oil or water in the car, so why would you decide to embark on a new career without the appropriate skills. The important thing to remember is not to set yourself up for a fall.

If you hit the road with a car that’s not been MOT’d the chances of breaking down are higher, the same goes for applying for a new job, without all of the skills required. Assess what you personally have to offer and seek advice from experts in the field. If it is career advice you are seeking, why not get in touch with one of our course advisors who would be happy to give you a free career evaluation and point you in the direction of the options available to you.

Take a systematic approach to planning out what you want to achieve, and how you will hit those targets. Don’t set yourself up with unachievable goals and timeframes. If you manage your own expectations, you’ll be much happier in the long run.

Second to Fourth Gears: Getting up to speed

The importance of building up to your achievements in stages, much like building up speed in a car, is essentially the only route to actually making things happen for you.

If you’re looking for a new career, the benefits of practical skills based training; higher salary, better career prospects, efficient skills to let you leave work on time (to name just a few), outweigh any potential angsts you may initially have. Investing in your personal development is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your career.

Looking at your options for funding, financial support or training funding from your employer and payment plans are the first areas to look into once you have selected the right training to match your chosen career path, which again, we can help you with.

With a range of opportunities available to suit your learning style, time should not factor as an issue to helping you really take the plunge into achieving your goals. Pitman Training offers flexible learning centred around your needs… study; full-time, part-time, from work in your lunch break, from the comfort of your home, in one of our centres or a combination of the above. Our training options mean that learning online, distance learning or tutor led seminars are all possibilities, to help fit the style of learning that will ensure your success and enable you to make those moves.

Once you’re under way with adapting your skillset, you’re already ahead of the competition… the next bits easy.

Fifth Gear: Passing the finish line

This is when you really start to see results, whether you’re looking for career progression or a complete career change, you should now have the skills you need to get you there. Get in touch with local recruiters and firms that you’re interested in working with, or contact your nearest Pitman Training Centre, who can put you in touch with recruiters specialising in your area of interest. Pitman Training also offers FREE CV advice, interview technique sessions and gives guidance on dressing for success… together, these elements will help you to maximise your confidence and present yourself in the best light to employers.

All that’s left is the winning!

Let us know what your career resolutions are by commenting below and you could be in with a chance of winning a course from our self-development range*.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Winners will be picked at random. Closing date for entries is 30th April 2013. Winners will be notified no later than 10th May 2013. Course choice is subject to winners requirements; a full list of options will be supplied with winners notification.

 

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