As summer fades and the September blues creep in, the return to work can feel a bit daunting. But it’s also the perfect time to refocus and set your sights on what you want to achieve before the year wraps up. With four months to go until Christmas, there’s plenty of time to make some serious progress on your workplace and career goals. Anne Elliott, Managing Director of ema Consultancy, shares a straight-forward plan to help you get there.
Ride the wave of post-summer energy
Coming back from a summer break often gives you a fresh perspective and a boost of enthusiasm. Here’s how to keep that momentum going:
- Reflect on what you’ve achieved so far: Take a quick look at the wins you’ve had this year. What worked wel, and why? Also, think about any goals that got sidelined and whether they’re still worth pursuing.
- Spot new opportunities: Look around your current role for areas where you can grow. Identify any skills you want to sharpen and consider how your refreshed mindset can bring new ideas to the table.
- Set a positive tone for the rest of the year: Start with a few quick wins to build confidence. Reconnect with colleagues to reignite teamwork and set yourself up with a positive, can-do attitude.
Set clear and doable goals
With the clock ticking towards Christmas, it’s time to set goals that are ambitious yet achievable:
- Break down big goals into bite-sized tasks: Identify your main objectives and split them into smaller, manageable steps. Assign each task to a specific timeframe, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Keep it SMART: Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For instance, instead of just aiming to “improve communication,” why not “complete a communication workshop and use the new skills in team meetings”?
- Prioritise what matters most: Focus on goals that will make the biggest impact by the end of the year. Consider any seasonal trends or end-of-year evaluations when setting your priorities.
Craft a practical action plan
Turning your goals into reality requires a solid action plan:
- Map out the steps: Break each goal into specific actions and decide the order in which you’ll tackle them. Assign tasks to particular weeks or months to create a smooth workflow.
- Set realistic deadlines: Be honest about how long each task will take and set firm deadlines. Don’t forget to allow for any unexpected hiccups.
- Gather your resources: Figure out what tools or support you’ll need to get the job done. Don’t be shy about asking colleagues or mentors for help.
- Keep tabs on your progress: Regularly check how you’re doing against your plan. Make adjustments if necessary and keep key stakeholders in the loop.
Balance ambition with realism
It’s great to aim high, but don’t forget to be realistic about what you can achieve in the time left:
- Assess your workload: Take a close look at your current responsibilities and any upcoming projects. Be realistic about how much time and energy you can dedicate to new goals.
- Be ready to adjust: If a goal turns out to be too ambitious, don’t be afraid to scale it down. Focus on doing a few things well rather than spreading yourself too thin.
- Maintain work-life balance: Set boundaries to avoid burnout. Make sure to include personal time in your planning to keep yourself refreshed and motivated.
Stay focused and on track
As the festive season approaches, distractions are bound to increase. Here’s how to stay focused:
- Set clear work-life boundaries: Stick to your work hours, especially as social events start to pick up. Let people know when you’re available to avoid any clashes.
- Manage your time wisely: Try the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused bursts) or time blocking to stay on top of your tasks. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritise what truly matters.
- Limit distractions: Turn off non-essential notifications and limit time on social media during work hours. Consider setting “focus hours” where you dedicate time solely to your most critical tasks.
Reflect and adjust regularly
To stay on track, make regular check-ins a part of your routine:
- Schedule progress reviews: Set aside time weekly or fortnightly to review how you’re doing. Use this time to adjust your plan if needed and celebrate small wins.
- Learn and improve: Reflect on what’s working well and what’s not. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from colleagues for fresh perspectives.
- Stay flexible: Be open to tweaking your action plan if something isn’t working. Stay adaptable, keeping your end goals in mind.
Finish the year on a high
As the year draws to a close, staying focused and sticking to your plan will help you achieve your goals by Christmas. By using your post-summer energy, setting clear objectives and staying disciplined, you can finish the year strong. The key is to balance ambition with realism, stay flexible and keep a close eye on your progress. With this approach, you’ll be well on your way to ending the year on a high and setting yourself up for success in 2025.
