Here's a brief and fun self-coaching practice on career development and professional fulfillment to kick off the new year... and don't worry, I'm not going to suggest any "resolutions!"
Find some quiet time this week to reflect and make a few notes on the following three themes:
1. Compass of the Past: Looking back on your entire career, when were you the happiest and most fulfilled than at any other time? What were you doing professionally, leading, working on? Who was your boss? What were they like? Who were your colleagues, and what were they like? What made it so great?
2. Reality of the Present: Comparing that peak career experience to your current professional situation, what's different at present? What's better? What's not as good?
3. Now, about 2014: Given your peak past experience and what's happening for you now professionally, what, if any, changes would you like to make early on in 2014, so that by this time next year, you will be on the path to your professional best?
Write down a few sentences on each of these topics, and once you have your notes, make it a practice to reread them on the 1st of each month throughout the new year, and reset your direction accordingly. And have some fun with it.
I wish you and yours a prosperous, healthy and happy 2014!