A new year is on the horizon, offering opportunities for those willing to pursue them. Strategic professionals will translate the energy of a new year into tangible accomplishments. Ground your goals in reality and align them with your personal values and overall career ambitions. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself as you set your career goals for the year ahead:

  1. What do I want my career to look like this time next year?
  2. What are practical steps that can help me achieve my next achievement?
  3. What additional competencies do I need to pursue?
  4. Who are the colleagues who will be invaluable to my success? How can I better connect with them?
  5. Where can I eliminate stress and inefficiency in my practices?
  6. What networking opportunities should I pursue?
  7. What is one professional book I want to read in 2025? (Purchase it now!)
  8. What is one conference that would benefit my career?
  9. What practice was most beneficial to my career in 2024? How can I expand on that success?
  10. What is one thing that would benefit my career that I’ve been avoiding (and how can I make it more approachable)?

Spend time reflecting on these questions, sketch some potential goals, and then enlist the perspective of others. Not only will their feedback help refine your goals, they can encourage you throughout the year.