A lot of people wait until the New Year to re-evaluate their businesses, their careers, and even their lives. I think mid-year is a great time to give yourself a performance review. If you can figure out what’s working and what’s not working, it allows you the time to put in motion this year those changes that will help you move closer to your goals.
To quote Will Rogers: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
So don’t just sit there. Ask yourself these questions and take action if the answers aren’t the ones you need to achieve the success you want.
1. Are my goals still realistic and attainable?
What else do you need to move forward on your goals? Where are you on the road to achieving your goals?
2. Am I taking enough risks?
Are your opinions known? Do your recommendations always fall in line with pack? Are you speaking up so those who need to know about you can hear you?
3. Have I gotten out of my comfort zone?
Have you challenged yourself? Have you taken on new projects, joined new organizations, or are you just keeping your head down and doing your job? Are you exploring and trying new ways of doing what you do?
4. Have I grown my tribe and my network?
Have you expanded beyond your core group of friends, family and colleagues? Have you grown the people in your weak ties network (see the post on the value of weak ties)?
5. Have I expanded and deepened my expertise?
Have you taken courses, read books, attended seminars, worked with a mentor, and met with thought leaders in your industry to expand upon what you know and be better prepared for what’s to come?
6. Am I spreading my brand?
Are you gaining visibility and demonstrating your thought leadership through your outreach – professional writing, blogging, public speaking, taking on leadership positions on committees and in organizations that encompass your target audience?
7. Have I asked for, received, and acted on feedback regarding my work and my progress toward my future goals?
How do the answers to these questions make you feel? Are you in control of your career? If not remember, you still have six months left to the year. Make the most of them.
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July 23, 2012
11:32 am
Hi Mary,
I was just exploring websites for self – development and came across your blog. I really like your posts, especially this one. You ask some really piercing questions that are not addressed in other blogs about reaching one’s potential. For example, question #2 about taking risks really urged me to evaluate and check if I was doing things out of the box instead of sticking to my comfort zone. The other one that I really must do more of is #4. While I can do this using the internet, I still think meeting in person makes the most impact in terms of returns in the long run.
I look forward to reading more of your insightful posts.
Nupur
October 16, 2012
9:43 am
Nupur, I agree with you comment about taking risks, too many people stay on one job to long. If you don’t take risks you will never now if you really are pushing yourself to reach your potential or not.
December 7, 2012
2:57 pm
Hi Mary,
For me this boils down to what are you passionate about? For me I look at myself and ask am I making the most of myself. Of course some days I do better than others, but ultimately, you never grow and learn if you don’t take risks. Enlightening post!
Miss T
December 8, 2012
9:13 am
Great additions to the list Miss T. Are you doing something you’re passionate about and are you making the most of yourself are the types of questions that, if answered in the affirmative, make you excited about going to work everyday. Thanks again for your comment.