Career Check-in: Goals, Workplace Wellness, & More

As June comes to an end, take a moment for a mid-year career check-in! It’s the perfect time to reflect on your journey, reassess your goals, and boost your motivation. Set yourself up for success in the months ahead.

Reflect on your progress

First, look back at the accomplishments and milestones you’ve achieved so far. Celebrate both big and small wins! This means you won’t overlook the growth and development you’ve experienced. Consider how your goals may have evolved and align them with your values and aspirations. This reflection will provide a foundation for a meaningful evaluation. Not only is this an opportunity to celebrate your wins, but it’s also a great opportunity to update your resume.

Evaluate your current career path

Evaluate your current career trajectory. Are you still on track for your goals? Do you feel fulfilled and engaged in your work? Identify any areas where you may be feeling stagnant or unsatisfied.

Examining factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth will help you avoid burnout. Plus, this evaluation will help you identify areas for improvement and necessary changes.

Identify strengths and areas for growth

Make a list of your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Once you identify areas where you are excelling, you can use those strengths to drive your career forward. Additionally, pinpoint areas for growth and development. This will help you set progress goals and find actionable ways to improve the rest of the year.

Set mid-year career goals

With a clearer understanding of your progress and aspirations, set actionable and measurable goals for the remainder of the year. Craft goals that are specific, realistic, and aligned with your overarching career vision (more on this here). Break them down into smaller milestones to maintain motivation and track progress. Remember, these goals should challenge you while remaining attainable. Write this down. Seriously, you’re much more likely to actually follow through on this if it’s in writing. Bonus points if you tell a friend or coworker to boost accountability.

Create an action plan

Transform your goals into an actionable plan. Break them down into smaller tasks and assign timelines to each. Hint: this blog can help you find affordable ways to work towards your goals. Avoid getting overwhelmed by prioritizing your actions. It’s easier to take it all one step at a time than to make a bunch of life changes all at once.

Also, consider any necessary resources or support needed. Utilize organizational tools such as calendars or project management apps to stay on track and hold yourself accountable. With a plan in place, you’ll be well on your way to leveling up.

In this anatomy picture, there's a breakdown of how stress impacts you physically from teeth grinding and headaches to tense muscles. The image links to the article Managing Stress and Money.

A note on workplace wellness and burnout

Don’t forget to consider your overall well-being and address any burnout. Look for any signs of exhaustion, stress, or burnout that may be affecting your performance and workplace wellness.

Prioritize your own wellbeing. If you are feeling exhausted, stressed, etc. find ways to address this. Take proactive steps to prioritize self-care, such as setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and incorporating regular exercise and breaks into your routine. If burnout persists, consider discussing your concerns with a supervisor or seeking support from a mental health professional. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for long-term career success and fulfillment.

Final thoughts on career check-in

The mid-year career check-in is a valuable opportunity to reflect, refocus, and recharge. Embrace this moment to take stock of your progress, evaluate your path, and set intentional goals. With a well-crafted action plan and support system in place, you’ll be well-positioned to navigate the remainder of the year with confidence and purpose.