This is the time of the year when we like to take stock of what had transpired over the past one year. What were some of the things that we have done that met our expectations? What have not? And what are the things that we could do differently?

It is also a good time to take a good look at your career once again and see whether you need to map out something more permanent for yourself. Taking time to map out a great career for yourself can really pay off in the long term. The following are some tips to help kick-start your career plan.

1.Career planning should be an annual event

In general, the best time to reflect and plan is end of the year but you can do it other times too but it’s best to review it every year. Just set a day or a couple of days to do it. Remove all distractions as you want to focus on setting your goals and what you want to achieve in your career.

2.List down the things that you enjoy and dislike doing

Our likes and dislikes change over time. That is a fact of life. So, take your time to evaluate whether such changes had an effect on your career or not. Are you at a dead end or demotivated all the time? List down the activities of what you like and dislike on paper to have a clearer idea of what’s happening. It is also normal to examine our hobbies or other non-career activities when doing career planning because these activities are part of our lives as well. If most of the time, you are thinking about doing “that” thing, then perhaps this is a good time to reflect whether a career change is the answer or not.

3.Take note of your success stories

Success stories and accomplishments reaffirm our strengths and our capabilities. For example, a big event that you coordinated some months ago had revealed your leadership capabilities more than you or your boss had expected, perhaps it’s time to rethink whether a career move to a higher position should be in the cards now.

4.Set career and job goals

A roadmap must come with timeline that includes short-term and long term goals. Perhaps questions to ask are, “What do I want to see myself ultimately?” and “When should I be achieving that?”

5.Upgrade opportunities

Part of your career planning includes upgrade or training opportunities. What are the things that can help to boost your career further? If you are a diploma holder now, would an MBA help so that you will be more ready for a management post later? If yes, you might want to start your savings plan and re-prioritize things in your life. As career is such a big part of our lives, other things like family time, the place we stay and other non-work activities will be affected and therefore need to be considered carefully.

Planning is important and although things might not turn out to be what you have planned earlier, you at least give yourself the opportunity to think the best you can and challenge yourself to be all you can. And with a plan, you can convince yourself to achieve the career goals better.

All the best to you in 2012!