Now that we’re officially in 2023, it’s time to set those goals to help you navigate your career journey.

Your goals should reflect any aspects of your personal or professional life you’d like to improve upon. Setting goals can be challenging, but having a plan in motion can help you stay on track throughout the year.

Follow these three tips to create your career goals for 2023.

Reflect on previous year

Looking back at the past can inspire you when brainstorming new career goals for this year. Think about your previous accomplishments, challenges you’ve overcome, and other significant events in your professional life. Then, reflect on what did and didn’t work and how you can adjust moving forward.

Use S.M.A.R.T. goals

The S.M.A.R.T. goal framework is an excellent way to establish career goals you can accomplish.

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for:

• Specific: What will be accomplished? What actions will you take?

• Measurable: What data will measure the goal? 

• Achievable: Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary resources and skills?

• Realistic: How does the goal align with broader goals? Why is the result significant?

• Time-bound: What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal?

You can use the S.M.A.R.T. goals method for crafting practical career goals that you can work towards throughout the year. 

Prioritize your personal goals too

While meeting your professional development goals is necessary for leveling up your career, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore your personal goals. In fact, the two often feed off of each other. Instead, make sure you prioritize a healthy work-life balance and that your career goals can accommodate your needs. 

Need help making your next career move? Use our career insights tool to research education and certifications needed to succeed in your field, salary ranges in your profession, and the overall prospects of your industry.