Crushing Goals in 2024: A Guide for Mid-Career Women
It's a fresh year, a clean slate, and the perfect moment to set the stage for your most incredible year yet.
As a fellow goal-getter and advocate for mid-career women, I'm here to share 10 strategies to help you not only set but also CRUSH your goals in 2024.
1. Reflect on Your Journey:
Before diving into the future, look backward. Reflect on your wins, progress made, lessons learned, and the powerful woman you've become. What did you accomplish in 2023? Why were you successful in accomplishing those goals? What realizations did you make about yourself or your career? Your past is a roadmap to your future success. It’s worth taking time to reflect on where you’ve been so you can be intentional and strategic about where you’re going next.
2. Define Your North Star:
What's your ultimate vision? What are your true values, goals, desires, and dreams? Gaining clarity on your “North Star” will provide you with direction towards your goals and fuel your motivation. Start by envisioning the life and career that makes your heart race with excitement. If you could wave a magic wand and REALLY get what you want, what would that be? This North Star will guide your goal setting, giving purpose to every action.
3. SMART Goals Are Your BFFs:
Make those goals SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Whether it's a career leap, a health goal, a skill acquisition, a new habit, or a personal milestone, SMART goals keep you focused. For example, “I want to get healthier,” is not a SMART goal. It’s wwaaaaaay too vague and has no deadline or way to quantify it. Instead, you could turn a health goal into a SMART goal by saying, “I will drink 70 ounces of water every day by the end of March.” Being ultra-specific with your goals sets you up to be crystal clear on what you’re trying to achieve and how to get there.
4. Develop Habits for Success:
Your daily habits determine the quality of your life. 80% of what we do on a daily basis is our automatic actions, our routines and behaviors that we don’t even realize are habits. If you develop habits of success, your will be successful in achieving your goals. They are indicative of what you prioritize in your life– of what truly matters to you.
5. Celebrate Your Progress:
Acknowledge and celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Every step forward is a victory. With my Career Coaching clients, I start every session by asking, “What are your wins? What good things have happened this week?” Celebrating your progress (no matter how big or small!) is extremely motivating and nourishing as you continuing to move forward towards your goals. BONUS TIP— share your successes with your support network; it's not bragging—it's inspiring.
6. Embrace Adaptability:
Life throws curveballs. Rarely do things go exactly as you plan. Consider potential obstacles or challenges and anticipate them, rather than be surprised when they come up. Know that things will get hard at some point. Instead of giving up when this happens, embrace adaptability, adjust your sails, but never lose sight of your North Star. Flexibility is a superpower.
7. Invest in Yourself:
Whether it's learning a new skill, attending a workshop, or hiring a mentor, invest in yourself. YOU are your most valuable asset, and continuous growth is the secret sauce. By honing your skills, having someone hold you accountable, or investing your time, energy, or money in YOU, you can achieve your goals faster and more effectively.
8. Create a Support System:
You’ve probably heard the Jim Rohn quote: “You're the average of the five people spend the most time with.” The people you spend the most time with impact you dramatically. Surround yourself with individuals who support you, understand your journey, and offer support during challenges. In practice, this looks like joining a networking group of likeminded women, being intentional about who you spend time with in social settings, or assembling your Personal Board of Directors. A strong support system is a game-changer, especially when you’re pursuing those BIG goals this year.
9. Balance and Self-Care:
You're not a robot, and you can’t use super-human productivity all day, every day. You need to know when it’s time to give yourself grace and take a step back. Prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between personal and professional aspirations. A fulfilled life fuels your success, and it’s impossible to be at your best if you’re operating on “empty.”
10. Adjust and Reset:
Your goals aren't set in stone. Regularly evaluate your progress (I recommend checking in on your goals quarterly, at least), adjust strategies if needed, and hit the reset button when necessary. It's about the journey, not just the destination.
YOU have the power to design a career and life that lights your soul on fire. As your dedicated Career Coach for women, I'm here to support every step of the way. Let's make 2024 YOUR year of triumphs, growth, and unstoppable success!
