Top Tips to Reflect, Recharge and Reset your Career Goals this Summer

Photo Credit: iStock Anetlanda

Are you looking forward to taking a summer break soon? Beyond holidays and beach trips, summer is a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, recharge, and reset your career goals. Here’s how to make the most of your summer to ensure your career stays on track.

Enjoy Your Holiday Without Worrying About Work

If you’re like me, preparing for time off can involve long hours at the office. Here are some tips to help you organise and enjoy your holiday from the first minute:

1. Write a List and Prioritise: Start planning at least two weeks out. Write down all the tasks you want to achieve before you leave and prioritize them by importance.

2. Communicate: Inform colleagues, clients, and stakeholders in advance about your holiday. Provide a deadline for any tasks requiring your input before you go.

3. Set Boundaries: Tell people you’re leaving a day earlier and returning a day later than you actually are. This buffer helps avoid last-minute requests.

4. Plan Ahead: Block time in your calendar for the week you return. This ensures a controlled and stress-free return to work. At a minimum, block out your first morning back.

5. Declutter: Spend the day before you leave tidying your workspace. A clean desk and organized inbox can make your return much more pleasant. Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read for a fresh start.

6. Out of Office: Set your out-of-office message to start the day before you leave and end the day after you return. This helps avoid unexpected meetings.

Reflect on Your Progress

While enjoying your downtime, use the time to reflect on your career. Ask yourself these questions about your achievements and learnings over the past few months:

1. What am I proud of over the last six months?

2. What did I learn in the last six months?

3. What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?

4. Where do I need support going forward and from whom?

5. Where do I need to improve?

Also, consider feedback from colleagues. Reach out to 3-4 key people you’ve worked with and ask:

1. What are two things I did well when we worked together this year?

2. What is one thing I could do better?

Reflecting on your own and others’ feedback helps you understand your growth and identify areas for improvement.

Reset Your Career Goals

After reflecting and recharging, it’s time to reset your career goals. Here’s how:

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals: Determine what you want to achieve in the next six months, year, or five years. Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

2. Develop a Plan: Outline the steps you need to reach these goals. Identify the resources and support required.

3. Stay Flexible: Understand that plans can change. Be open to new opportunities and ready to adjust your goals as needed.

4. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and keep you aligned with your objectives.

5. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your progress. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and learn from setbacks.

Summer is more than just a time for relaxation; it’s a valuable period for personal and professional development. By taking the time to reflect on your career, recharge your energy, and reset your goals, you can return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Embrace the summer as a season of growth and transformation, and set the stage for continued success in your professional journey. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself, and there’s no better time to start than now.

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